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Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

R&D Software Architect

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site +1

... or remote environment. Collaborate with a focused, agile group on cutting-edge subsea ... You will design infrastructure enabling optical engineers to contribute directly to the codebase ...

TalentRemedy

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$142K - $174K/yr

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of optical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers to develop next-generation laser, sensing, and remote sensing technologies for demanding ...

Scout Space

Senior Mission Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $148K/yr

Support optical payload design concepts from whiteboard to launch, including development ... Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain Python-based software tools supporting optical signature modeling ... Background in signal processing, image processing, or remote sensing data workflows. * Experience ...

KBR

Senior Structural Analysis Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site +1

$137K - $206K/yr

... Optical Performance (STOP), and other applicable structural requirements Generate Finite Element ... but remote work may be possible if approved by the customer US Citizenship Areas of Desired ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain Python-based software tools supporting optical signature modeling ... Background in signal processing, image processing, or remote sensing data workflows. * Experience ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Principal

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced ... Advanced electro-optical sensor and payload development * Spacecraft bus or payload engineering ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$94K - $128K/yr

This is a technically demanding role centered on OPIR phenomenology, optical signature ... You will work alongside algorithm engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

This is a technically demanding role centered on OPIR phenomenology, optical signature ... You will work alongside algorithm engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop ...

Scout Space

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

Collaborate with systems, electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate thermal hardware ... Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Remote Optical Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$94K

$162.7K

$190.8K

How much do remote optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote optical engineer in Washington, DC is $162,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $189,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Remote Optical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Remote Optical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optics, photonics, and optical system design, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as Zemax or LightTools, CAD software, and possibly certifications in optical engineering or fiber optics is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, effective communication, and self-motivation are key soft skills, especially when working remotely. These skills are vital for delivering precise optical solutions, collaborating efficiently across virtual teams, and managing projects independently.

What are some typical projects or challenges a Remote Optical Engineer might work on?

As a Remote Optical Engineer, you may work on projects ranging from designing lenses or laser systems to optimizing fiber optic communications or developing imaging devices. Common challenges include troubleshooting optical alignment remotely, accurately simulating system performance, and ensuring close collaboration with mechanical and electrical engineering teams across different time zones. The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and navigate virtual project management tools is essential for success. These diverse projects offer opportunities to innovate, enhance your technical skills, and contribute to cutting-edge technologies from anywhere.

What is a Remote Optical Engineer job?

A Remote Optical Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests optical systems and components while working from a remote location. They may be involved in developing lenses, fiber optics, laser systems, or imaging technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, or aerospace. Using simulations and modeling software, they optimize optical performance and troubleshoot design challenges. Collaboration with teams happens virtually, requiring strong communication skills. This role often demands expertise in optics, photonics, and related engineering principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Remote Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,653 per year, or $78.2 per hour.
IP and Optical Test Engineers

IP and Optical Test Engineers

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site, Remote

$100K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Position Overview
By Light is seeking IP and Optical Network Test Engineers to support a future contract award on the SETI Small Business contract vehicle.
Our IP and Optical Network Engineers assess, test, and recommend solutions and technologies to improve all aspects of DISN Transport systems. These technologies include network devices (Optical Transport Systems, Optical Line Systems, Optical Transponders, routers, switches, firewalls, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and services Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA), Access Control List (ACL), secure remote access (i.e Secure shell, Secure VPN, IPSec), and IPv6 capable devices.
Network Test Engineers are responsible for all DISN aspects regarding the design review/recommendation, lab testing, evaluation/certification, and implementation/deployment as well as provide Tier 3 support for the DoD's NIPRNet and SIPRNet backbone networks.
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical expertise in design review, lab testing & test report, implementation plan and deployment of new advanced large-scale complex DoD networks.
  • Implement MPLS services offerings on the DISN network. MPLS services include L3VPN, L2VPN, VPLS (Virtual Private LAN service) and CsC (Carrier Supporting Carrier). Platforms tested include Juniper MX Series, Cisco ASR Series routers.
  • Provide expertise in order to certify and support Optical systems to include optical switches, amplifiers, regenerators, Optical Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), Optical Transport Networking (OTN), Optical Transport Unit (OTU) frames, OTN-based backbones, optical light paths, optical spectrum sharing, optical virtual private networks (O-VPNs), wavelength-based private services, Packet-Optical Transport System (P-OTS), Ethernet, Flexible Ethernet (FlexE), Carrier Ethernet.
  • Provide technical security expertise in design, test, evaluation and deployment of advanced large-scale complex DoD networks. Review security requirements set by DoD agencies for the NIPRNET/SIPRNET network protection; Assess and analyze current NIPRNET/SIPRNET network architecture; Propose and analyze potential solutions.
  • Conducting audits, risk assessment, threat analysis, contingency planning and implementing security standards and methods.
  • Reviews security threats to the current DoD NIPRNet/Internet gateway IA infrastructure, architecture, and technology and determines/implements effective countermeasures IAW established policies/regulations/directives.
  • Delivers Router and Firewall Test Plans, Test Reports, as well as Implementation Plans to provide direction for deployment in the production environment. Prepare field recommendations and Configuration Guides.
  • Provide Tier III engineering support to field operations personnel and deliver Field Support Lessons Learned reports.
  • Conduct market research to find products to meet requirements.

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • BS in Networking, Telecommunications, or related area required.
  • DoD 8570-01-M IAT Level I or higher to include one of the following: A+ CE, CCNA-Security, CND, Network+ CE, SSCP Security+, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, or CISSP.
  • Extensive experience in IP or Optical Networking.
  • Expertise in large-scale IP/Optical & Testing with backbone routers running ISIS, BGP/MP-BGP (multi AS), MPLS routing protocols, switches and testing gear including traffic generators from IXIA and Spirent Test Center

Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Professional Networking Certifications such as Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIE or Ciena OC-P are highly preferred.
  • Hardware certification testing, JUNOS/IOS-XR/Ciena operating system regression testing.
  • DISN IP or Optical Design Experience
  • Network test equipment/Traffic Generator such as IXIA and Spirent Test Center.
  • Firewalls (Juniper/Netscreen, Cisco ASA/PIX, CyberGuard, SideWinder), VPN products (IPSec, SSL VPN).
  • IDS/IPS (Arbor Peakflow DoS & Traffic, Top Layer, ForeScout).
  • F5 Big-IP load balancer, BlueCoat Web Proxy.
  • Unix (SUN/HP/BSD) Servers/Workstations, Linux, PC Servers/Workstations
  • VMWare ESXi server.
  • JunOS, Cisco IOS & IOS-XR, UNIX (Sun Solaris, BSD, HPUX, SCO), VMWare, Linux, FreeBSD, Microsoft OS Servers and Workstations.
  • Certificate Authority Server, ACE/SecureID Server, TACACS+, RADIUS, MS Exchange, Sendmail, Apache web server, PKI, WINS, DHCP, DNS, FTP/SFTP/TFTP, SSH, NTP, Netflow/Cflowd servers.
  • Possess excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact with management and staff at all levels.
  • Candidate should also have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range
Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $100,000 - $200,000.
The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

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