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Surface Optics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ComSonics

Fiber Repair Technician

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$19.28 - $26.01/hr

Performs all operations necessary in the diagnoses and/or repair of Fiber Optic equipment. This ... Minimum 1 year of surface mount and fiber experience required. * Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Opto-Alignment Technology

Be Seen First

Applications Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We are highly recognized as a quality developer and supplier of state-of-the-art optical systems for precision optics alignment and surface form metrology. The successful candidate will work with ...

CK Contractors & Development

Telecom Splicer

Lebanon, VA · On-site

$16 - $30/hr

Essential Tasks: * Splice and connect fiber optic cables to maintain seamless communication ... This includes frequently walking on sloped ground and slippery and uneven surfaces, as well as ...

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All JobsSurface Optics JobsSurface Optics Jobs in Virginia

Surface Optics information

What is the difference between Surface Optics vs Optical Technician?

AspectSurface OpticsOptical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optics, physics, or engineeringOften requires a certificate or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, or aerospace industriesOptical labs, manufacturing plants, or healthcare settings
Industry UsageUsed in high-precision optics, aerospace, and researchCommon in lens manufacturing, optical device assembly, and maintenance

Surface Optics professionals focus on designing, analyzing, and improving optical surfaces and systems, often working in research or high-tech industries. Optical Technicians typically handle the assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical devices. While both roles require knowledge of optics, Surface Optics roles tend to involve more research and development, whereas Optical Technicians focus on practical application and manufacturing processes.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Optics jobs in Virginia? For Surface Optics jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surface Optics jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Optics jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Surface Optics jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Surface Optics job openings:
Surface Optics jobs near you

Research Engineer

Analytical Mechanics Associates

Hampton, VA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) at NASA Langley Research Center is seeking an early-career research engineer with a background in optical diagnostics to support the Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume Surface Studies (SCALPSS) project. In this role, you will contribute to laser-optics trade studies, stereo-camera characterization, calibration development, and hands-on ground testing inside Langley's 60-ft vacuum sphere. The position blends optical system design, experimental operations, and data-driven analysis to deliver reliable, well-documented optical hardware and high-quality measurement products aligned with NASA's plume surface interaction research objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support laser-optics trade studies, stereo-camera evaluations, and optical system design for SCALPSS.
  • Characterize sensors, filters, lenses, distortion, vignetting, and FOV for next-generation SCALPSS hardware.
  • Operate SCALPSS cameras, lasers, and optical systems during plume-surface interaction tests in Langley's 60-ft vacuum sphere.
  • Support implementation of laser grids, laser sheets, and illumination systems for plume-surface interaction studies.
  • Assist senior researchers in applying laser-based diagnostics in arc jets, hypersonic tunnels, and laboratory environments.
  • Contributes to laboratory development of optical sensors for density and velocity measurements on entry vehicles.
  • Prepare experiment reports, contribute to conference papers, and deliver datasets and analysis tools to NASA.
  • Attend monthly group and branch meetings to coordinate SCALPSS progress and integrate with NASA research teams.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry or astronomy, or a closely related technical discipline.
  • Coursework or hands-on experience with lasers, lenses, imaging systems, and optical alignment.
  • Experience characterizing cameras, sensors, and lenses.
  • Experience operating lasers, cameras, and optical benches.
  • Ability to analyze optical datasets and write custom scripts.
  • US Citizenship required.

Desired Skills:
  • Experience conducting experiments in vacuum chambers.
  • Experience with PLIF, optical pyrometry, laser sheet optics, and PDV.
  • Experience with high-speed cameras and CCD imaging.
  • Understanding of how optical diagnostics support computational model validation.

Salary range: $70k-$75k
Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.

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