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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer will be located onsite, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. **MUST be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident*** Responsibilities: * Provide system level analysis in support of ...

New

Your Job As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on ...

Optical Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

$85 - $134/hr

The Optical Engineer III will help monitor the network and troubleshoot network issues, and ensure ... Networks with senior internal and external personnel in own area of expertise * Demonstrates good ...

Your Job As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on ...

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

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 ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... Advise senior and mid‑level government leadership on architectural decisions, investment ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$67.4K

$143.3K

$207.8K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Washington is $143,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior optical engineer do?

A Senior Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often work on projects involving fiber optics, sensors, and advanced photonics technologies. Senior Optical Engineers lead technical teams, troubleshoot complex optical issues, and collaborate with other engineers to integrate optical solutions into larger systems. Their expertise is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

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

To thrive as a Senior Optical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of optics, physics, and optical system design, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field and several years of industry experience. Expertise with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and familiarity with relevant standards and certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set top candidates apart, especially when leading teams or interfacing with clients. These skills ensure the development of innovative, precise optical solutions that meet technical and business objectives.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a senior optical engineer within multidisciplinary teams?

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop and integrate optical systems into larger products. This role often involves working closely with project managers to align technical requirements and timelines, as well as coordinating with manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes are feasible and scalable. Effective cross-functional communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key, as you may also contribute to design reviews and mentor junior engineers. These collaborations not only support project success but also provide valuable exposure to diverse technical perspectives, fostering ongoing professional growth.

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

AspectSenior Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptical product companies, research institutions, manufacturing

Senior Optical Engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities, including leading projects and mentoring. Optical Engineers focus on designing and testing optical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 56% In-person, and 44% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,338 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Sr. Optical Designer /Analyst

Greenbelt, MD • On-site


KBR
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$142K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Title:

Sr. Optical Designer /Analyst

Position Summary

KBR is looking for a Senior Level Optical or electro-optical Designer / Analyst who will work with other optical engineers in design, analysis, and test of complex aerospace optical systems. Work on projects from inception at the concept development stage to completion at the product space flight qualification stage and perform optical design and analysis of optical, opto-mechanical, and electro-optical elements, subsystems, and systems that comprise an optical instrument. Senior Optical Engineer will be located onsite, at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

**MUST be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident***

Responsibilities:

  • Provide system level analysis in support of optical instruments and experiment design, calibration, and verification
  • Develop or evaluate error budgets and perform tolerance studies, design requirements and interface documents for instrument optics and optical systems
  • Develop assembly and test procedures and support all levels of optical subsystem integration and tests
  • Provide guidance on materials selection, given the optical requirements and the expected on-orbit environment
  • Support trade studies and recommend system architecture and design approach
  • Conduct analysis and evaluation of a design concept to produce realistic assessment of development and manufacturing risks. Develop strategies for mitigating risks
  • Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment
  • Prepare and deliver technical presentations and support project level reviews
  • Write test procedures, plans & reports as necessary

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

  • Experience in optical design of spaceflight instruments, optical analysis for tolerancing, and optical materials selection for spaceflight instruments and related systems
  • Master's Degree or higher in Optical Engineering, or related field
  • 10-15 + years of experience as an aerospace electro-optical or optical design engineer
  • Background in geometrical and physical optics
  • Optical / geometrical portion of structural-thermal-optical performance (STOP) analysis
  • Component modeling, like diffractive optics (e.g., gratings)
  • Physical optics modeling of system performance (e.g., point spread function generation)
  • Broad familiarity with optical instrumentation for scientific applications
  • Ability to lead the development of design concepts for optic handling equipment and support development of test support equipment & to perform system trade studies, system optimization, tolerance and performance analysis
  • Familiarity with optics fabrication and testing methods
  • Strong written and oral communication skills

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills:

  • Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology is strongly desired
  • Fred software in performing stray light analysis
  • Optical metrology and interferometry
  • Optical coating design, process and inspection and optical components cleaning methods
  • Previous use of laser trackers, theodolites, or photogrammetry for making precision alignments
  • Knowledge of detectors, detector systems, fiber optics and the design and development of laser systems

Basic Compensation:

Jobs on this contract range from$142,800.00 - $214,200.00 Pay range is specific to the Goddard, MD area.

The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more:KBR Benefits | KBR

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Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998


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Benefits

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