Optical Systems Integration Engineer (Arlington)
$140 K – $210 K
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Posted yesterday
SENIORITY
Lead
SALARY
$140 K – $210 K
About the role
- Own optical systems with photonic chips, control electronics, and custom packaging
- Drive system design, integration, test, assembly, and end-to-end performance verification
- Perform PCB board bring-up, initial power-on, functional testing, and troubleshooting
- Conduct optical test and characterization of systems using standard optical test equipment
- Design mechanical housings for fieldable electro-optical system products
- Program scripts and embedded code for basic hardware system control and interface
- Interface with fabrication, machining, and component vendors to support rapid development
- B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics with 9+, 6+, or 3+ years of professional experience, respectively, in hands-on optical hardware integration
- Hands-on proficiency with standard optical and electrical lab instrumentation
- Practical experience working in an optics lab environment with lasers and optical components
- Familiarity with EDA tools such as Altium or similar for PCB schematic and layout review
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for mechanical housing and fixture design
- Practical programming experience (Python, C/C++) for basic system control and interface
- Experience handling photonic integrated circuits, or similar, and reviewing GDS layout files.
- Knowledge of thermal control, vibration isolation, and ruggedized housing design
- Proven track record taking electro-optical hardware from prototype through full product release
- Familiarity with fiber-to-chip coupling techniques, optical adhesives, and precision assembly
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
