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Sr 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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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Sr Optical Engineer information

What is a Sr Optical Engineer?

Sr Optical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often lead projects involving optics for industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Senior Optical Engineers also collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, oversee the integration of optical technologies, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff. Their work ensures the performance, reliability, and innovation of optical products and systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and optical simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies are vital for delivering high-performance optical systems and leading complex projects to successful outcomes.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Optical Engineer expect in their role?

As a Sr Optical Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, testing, and integration of optical systems for products such as imaging devices, sensors, or communication equipment. Collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers is common to ensure that optical components seamlessly integrate with other subsystems. You may also interact with product managers and manufacturing teams to meet technical requirements and production timelines. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, especially when troubleshooting system-level issues or optimizing performance across disciplines.

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

AspectSr 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, telecommunicationsOptical component manufacturers, research institutions

The main difference between a Sr Optical Engineer and an Optical Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and seniority. A Sr Optical Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on leadership roles, and oversees complex projects, whereas an Optical Engineer is often in the early to mid-career stage focusing on design and testing tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Optical Designer /Analyst

KBR

Greenbelt, MD • On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 453 rated engineering


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

#LI-EM2

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