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Virtual Optical Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Trace3

Engineer (On-site)

Chicago, IL · On-site

... in person/virtual) in a professional manner. • Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction ... optic cables and optics (LC, SC, FC, Single Mode, Multimode, SR vs LR Optics). • Ability to ...

Trace3

Engineer: Tier 1 (On-site)

Chicago, IL · On-site

... in person/virtual) in a professional manner. • Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction ... optic cables and optics (LC, SC, FC, Single Mode, Multimode, SR vs LR Optics). • Ability to ...

Emcore

Business Development Manager

Tinley Park, IL · Remote

As pioneers in fiber optic gyros, ring laser gyros, and MEMS technologies, we drive innovation ... engineering team in the design and marketing of new product endeavors. · Prepare and present ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsVirtual Optical Engineer JobsVirtual Optical Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Virtual Optical Engineer information

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

AspectVirtual Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; certifications like Optics CertificationBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote or virtual settings, collaborating with teams onlineOn-site labs, manufacturing facilities, or office environments
Industry UsageTechnology companies, research firms, remote consultingManufacturing, R&D labs, aerospace, telecommunications
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for remote optical engineering roles or virtual positionsSeeking traditional, on-site optical engineering jobs

While both Virtual Optical Engineers and Optical Engineers require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, Virtual Optical Engineers primarily work remotely, collaborating online, whereas Optical Engineers often work on-site in labs or manufacturing settings. The choice depends on your preferred work environment and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtual Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, photonics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation tools such as Zemax, LightTools, or CODE V, and familiarity with CAD software are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects. These abilities enable the design and optimization of advanced optical systems in virtual environments, ensuring innovation and precision in product development.

What are some common challenges faced by Virtual Optical Engineers when collaborating with remote teams?

Virtual Optical Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams located in different regions, which can introduce challenges such as coordinating across time zones and ensuring clear communication about technical specifications. Working remotely requires strong documentation skills and the ability to use simulation and collaboration tools effectively to share design files, test results, and feedback in real time. Proactive communication and regular virtual meetings help to bridge gaps, but it's important to be adaptable to diverse working styles and maintain detailed records to ensure everyone stays aligned on project goals.

What is a Virtual Optical Engineer?

A Virtual Optical Engineer is a professional who designs, simulates, and analyzes optical systems—such as lenses, lasers, or fiber optics—using computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software, often working remotely. They collaborate with teams to develop and optimize optical components for industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work may involve using specialized tools to model light propagation, assess system performance, and troubleshoot design issues before physical prototypes are built.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Optical Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Virtual Optical Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Optical Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Optical Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Virtual Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Virtual Optical Engineer job openings:
Virtual Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Optical Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

$87K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) seeks to fill a Systems Engineer position in the Mission Modeling Department at our Rolling Meadows, Illinois location. This role encompasses team leadership, management, and technical performance. Department assignments will be made at the conclusion of the interview process and be based on the candidate's fit and preference.

NGMS is a leading global provider, manufacturer and integrator of advanced, secure and agile software-defined systems and solutions. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) tracking and counter measures and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. Our SEIT organization provides complex avionics systems in Targeting, EOIR, and RF technology areas.

In the Mission Modeling department, you will develop, integrate, test and analyze complex virtual representations of systems and environments. Responsibilities may include development of simulation code and scripts, design of system models, documentation of model assumptions and performance, test automation, test reports, and execution of integration test activities in virtual environments and/or System Integration Labs (SILs) or offsite locations. You will also perform mission level operational analysis utilizing System of Systems modeling and agent-based simulation. You'll be able to apply your knowledge and experience in EOIR systems, optics, RF systems, algorithms, detection and tracking.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access programs and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Systems Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 2 years of related experience; OR a Master's degree and/or PhD in a STEM field with 0 years of related experience.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills and systems thinking mindset
  • Knowledge of and experience in model-based systems engineering concepts such as SysML and tools such as Cameo and Rhapsody
  • Knowledge of and experience in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages
  • Experience with virtual environments, operational analysis or mission modeling (AFSIM, STK, BRAWLER, ATCOM, ONESAF)
  • Ability to work in an integrated product team (IPT) environment
  • US Citizenship required
  • Active Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Systems Engineer:

  • Experience with real-time signal processing in both firmware and software
  • Agile development experience
  • Experience in Electronic Warfare
  • Experience in an abstract modeling environment (Rhapsody, Cameo, UML etc) for complex electronic systems evaluation
  • Experience performing system verification and validation
  • Working knowledge of EOIR systems, optics, RF systems, algorithms, detection or tracking
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, C, C++, CUDA, VHDL, OpenCL, SysML, Python, or other scripting languages
  • Working knowledge of DOORS and ClearCase/ClearQuest
  • Experience in an integration and test environment for complex electronic systems evaluation
  • Experience in development and earned value management of cost accounts and schedules as related to Systems Engineering tasks
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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