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Senior Electro Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC's Prime SETA ... Advise senior and mid-level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies ...

Electro-Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

About the Role Apex is looking for an Electro-Optical Engineer to own our sensor products across the full development lifecycle, from clean-sheet concept to qualified, production-ready hardware. This ...

Optical Engineer (Senior)

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$136K - $185K/yr

Optical Engineer (Senior) Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Laser ... Design complex electro-optical and laser systems. * Develop new and improved modeling and ...

Optical Engineer (Senior)

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$136K - $185K/yr

Optical Engineer (Senior) Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Laser ... Design complex electro-optical and laser systems. * Develop new and improved modeling and ...

Optical Engineer (Senior)

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$136K - $185K/yr

Optical Engineer (Senior) Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Laser ... Design complex electro-optical and laser systems. * Develop new and improved modeling and ...

YOUR MISSION True Anomaly is seeking a motivated and technically curious Electro-Optical Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and characterization of advanced imaging and sensing ...

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC ... Advise senior and mid-level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies ...

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline * Hands-on experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Electro Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$67.5K

$124.7K

$169K

How much do senior electro optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior electro optical engineer in the United States is $124,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior electro optical engineer do?

A Senior Electro Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical and electro-optical systems such as lasers, sensors, and imaging devices. They work on projects involving the integration of electronics and optics to create advanced technologies for industries like defense, telecommunications, and medical devices. Their responsibilities also include overseeing prototypes, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet technical specifications and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior electro optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and electronics, typically with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Expertise in optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are essential, along with certifications like Certified Optical Engineer (COE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly set top performers apart. These skills ensure the effective design, analysis, and implementation of advanced optical systems critical for innovation and product quality.

How does a senior electro optical engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key part of the role. You will work closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to integrate optical components into larger systems, ensuring that all design aspects meet performance and manufacturing requirements. Regular meetings, design reviews, and joint troubleshooting sessions are common, and your expertise is often called upon to resolve complex technical challenges. This collaborative environment fosters learning and innovation while requiring strong communication skills and the ability to bridge gaps between different engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Senior Electro Optical Engineer vs Electro Optical Engineer?

AspectSenior Electro Optical EngineerElectro Optical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience preferredBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defense
Employer & Industry UsageTypically in advanced R&D roles, leading projectsDesign, develop, and test electro-optical systems

The main difference between a Senior Electro Optical Engineer and an Electro Optical Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior roles often involve project leadership and advanced problem-solving, while Electro Optical Engineers focus on design and development tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in comparable environments, but senior positions demand more experience and leadership skills.

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Infographic showing various Senior Electro Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,724 per year, or $60 per hour.

Electro Optical Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate emerging EO technologies, identify vulnerabilities, and guide mission-enhancing solutions in partnership with IC stakeholders.

  • Oversee development efforts by providing technical insight and ensuring software development, integration, and testing activities align with requirements and mission objectives.

  • Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and define system, performance, and interface requirements for GEOINT processing applications.


SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a Electro-Optical (EO) Engineer to join Landmark AOS, SAIC's Prime SETA program in Chantilly, VA. Landmark AOS delivers critical Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) expertise to the NRO's Ground Enterprise Directorate (GED)-the organization responsible for designing, acquiring, and integrating the nation's most advanced space and ground systems across the full mission lifecycle.
In this role, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor driving the development and modernization of next-generation EO GEOINT mission processing capabilities. You will collaborate closely with government leaders, development contractors, and mission partners to shape resilient, high-performance solutions that directly support national security priorities.
Key Responsibilities to include:
  • Advance EO resiliency initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding mission-enhancing solutions in partnership with IC stakeholders.
  • Maintain technical cognizance across a broad GEOINT mission processing portfolio, tracking baselines, schedules, dependencies, risks, and cost drivers to ensure program success.
  • Oversee Prime Contractor development efforts, providing technical insight and ensuring software development, integration, and testing activities align with government requirements and mission objectives.
  • Advise senior and mid-level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment strategies, acquisition priorities, and risk assessments shaping the future Ground Enterprise.
  • Develop and coordinate Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for new capabilities, ensuring alignment across mission threads and stakeholder organizations.
  • Define enterprise, system, functional, performance, and interface requirements that guide the development of modern, scalable GEOINT processing applications.
  • Conduct performance assessments and deliver cost, schedule, and risk impact analyses for current and future Ground architecture implementations.
  • Evaluate vendor proposals and technical documentation, assessing design artifacts for alignment with mission needs, technical standards, and acquisition best practices.

Qualifications
Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree and 9+ years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 7+ years; PhD/JD and 4+ years. Relevant experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph.
  • Experience with Electro-Optical systems, including tasking, command & control, collection, mission processing, or dissemination.
  • Knowledge or understanding of AI/ML advancements relevant to EO mission processing.
  • Domain knowledge in Ground Software, Space Development Programs, or Mission Operations.
  • Experience supporting requirements development and definition activities.
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information across diverse customer and corporate audiences.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office tool suite.
  • Experience as an EO GEOINT Engineer or EO Thread Lead a PLUS !

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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