Full-time

Optical Engineer

Posted by Actalent • Lorton, VA, United States

📍 Lorton, VA 🕒 June 19, 2026

About the Role

Job Title: Principal Optical Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design, integration, and validation of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across the full product lifecycle, from early lab prototyping through fielded deployment. This role blends hands-on laboratory work, optical design, and system integration, supporting rapid development efforts for next-generation sensing and imaging systems.
Responsibilities

+ Serve as a technical lead for optical systems, supporting development from concept through prototype, integration, and transition to production.

+ Perform Detection, Recognition, Identification (DRI) analysis to evaluate EO/IR system performance in operational environments.

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, software, systems) to integrate sensors and optical subsystems into larger platforms.

+ Build, align, and test benchtop optical prototypes, v...

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