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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek, Inc

Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title Senior Optical Communications Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace ...

SAIC

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 ...

SAIC

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 ...

SAIC

Electro Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

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

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

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

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

Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Fibertek, Inc

Herndon, VA • On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Senior Optical Communications Engineer
Location
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description
Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Research and Development Division in Herndon, VA.
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 building of space flight optical flight terminals, and leading the performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to the successful completion of next generation laser communication terminals and optical modems while supporting multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.
Job Requirements
  • MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
  • Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated
  • Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
  • Ability to lead space flight hardware builds.
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools
  • Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances
  • Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity

Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$210,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.
Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option.
FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.
Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.

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