Optical Scientist Jobs in Maryland
Optical Scientist jobs in Maryland are concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor and the suburbs of Annapolis, where defense contractors, federal laboratories, and applied research centers create sustained demand for photonics, laser systems, and imaging science expertise. Major employers with lasting Maryland footprints include Northrop Grumman, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and Leidos, which together drive openings from entry-level research associate to senior systems engineer. Electro-optical sensor design, adaptive optics, and free-space communications are the specialties appearing most consistently in Maryland listings. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Optical Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Optical Scientist jobs
Are you motivated to develop next-generation optical and optoelectronic devices that protect our nation and advance scientific discovery?
Do you thrive in a cleanroom setting, working with expert teams to build high precision, multilayer optics and develop groundbreaking electronic materials?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Junior Electronic and Optical Materials Device Fabrication Engineer to help us fabricate world-class micro- and nanoscale devices. The role is predominantly fabrication-focused, with a vast majority of working hours spent in a cleanroom or laboratory environment, including the cleanroom at JHU-APL in Laurel, MD and other multi-user facilities within a 20 min to 1 hr drive. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are passionate about developing ground-breaking solutions to solve the nation's critical challenges!
In this role, you'll...
- Design and optimize multilayer layouts with Python scripting for layout generation and data analysis.
- Develop advanced fabrication recipes for multilayer optics using e-beam lithography and direct-write lithography on various optical substrates.
- Apply AI and machine-learning approaches to improve fabrication processes
- Maintain version-controlled GDS/layout databases with Python-based automation for parametric layout generation, fracturing, and design rule checking, and develop data-analysis pipelines linking design, fabrication, and metrology data for CD, overlay, and yield trends.
- Refine deposition techniques across systems such as e-beam, thermal, and sputter evaporators, PECVD, ALD, and MOCVD to enhance device quality.
- Characterize thin films and processes using tools like SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, and film stress analysis to ensure quality and performance.
- Execute precision etching processes to meet tight design specifications and tolerances.
- Maintain and update process documentation, including runsheets, for accuracy and repeatability.
- Collaborate with teams to innovate and improve fabrication workflows.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Have a Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Have 2+ years of experience working in a microfabrication or nanofabrication cleanroom environment.
- Are proficient in multilayer layout design and modification, with expertise in Python scripting for both design automation and data analysis.
- Have experience optimizing etch and deposition processes, including thermal evaporation, e-beam, sputtering, PECVD, ICP RIE, and ion mill techniques.
- Are willing and able to travel locally to shared cleanrooms and laboratory facilities
- Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
- Have a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Are proficient in multilayer layout design and modification, with expertise in Python scripting for both design automation and data analysis.
- Have experience using e-beam lithography to pattern meta-optic devices.
- Have experience patterning materials for photonic integrated circuits, adaptive optics, RF, IR, MEMS, thermoelectric, or photovoltaic devices.
- Familiarity with advanced characterization tools, including SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, and spectroscopic reflectometry.
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually
Are you motivated to develop next-generation optical and optoelectronic devices that protect our nation and advance scientific discovery?
Do you thrive in a cleanroom setting, working with expert teams to build high precision, multilayer optics and develop groundbreaking electronic materials?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Junior Electronic and Optical Materials Device Fabrication Engineer to help us fabricate world-class micro- and nanoscale devices. The role is predominantly fabrication-focused, with a vast majority of working hours spent in a cleanroom or laboratory environment, including the cleanroom at JHU-APL in Laurel, MD and other multi-user facilities within a 20 min to 1 hr drive. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are passionate about developing ground-breaking solutions to solve the nation's critical challenges!
In this role, you'll...
- Design and optimize multilayer layouts with Python scripting for layout generation and data analysis.
- Develop advanced fabrication recipes for multilayer optics using e-beam lithography and direct-write lithography on various optical substrates.
- Apply AI and machine-learning approaches to improve fabrication processes
- Maintain version-controlled GDS/layout databases with Python-based automation for parametric layout generation, fracturing, and design rule checking, and develop data-analysis pipelines linking design, fabrication, and metrology data for CD, overlay, and yield trends.
- Refine deposition techniques across systems such as e-beam, thermal, and sputter evaporators, PECVD, ALD, and MOCVD to enhance device quality.
- Characterize thin films and processes using tools like SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, and film stress analysis to ensure quality and performance.
- Execute precision etching processes to meet tight design specifications and tolerances.
- Maintain and update process documentation, including runsheets, for accuracy and repeatability.
- Collaborate with teams to innovate and improve fabrication workflows.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Have a Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Have 2+ years of experience working in a microfabrication or nanofabrication cleanroom environment.
- Are proficient in multilayer layout design and modification, with expertise in Python scripting for both design automation and data analysis.
- Have experience optimizing etch and deposition processes, including thermal evaporation, e-beam, sputtering, PECVD, ICP RIE, and ion mill techniques.
- Are willing and able to travel locally to shared cleanrooms and laboratory facilities
- Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
- Have a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Are proficient in multilayer layout design and modification, with expertise in Python scripting for both design automation and data analysis.
- Have experience using e-beam lithography to pattern meta-optic devices.
- Have experience patterning materials for photonic integrated circuits, adaptive optics, RF, IR, MEMS, thermoelectric, or photovoltaic devices.
- Familiarity with advanced characterization tools, including SEM/EDS, XPS, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, and spectroscopic reflectometry.
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually
See All 12 Optical Scientist Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist JobsOptical Scientist Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optical Scientist Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in optical science, physics, or electrical engineering
- Experience designing or testing electro-optical or infrared sensor systems
- Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax or CODE V
- Active U.S. security clearance or eligibility to obtain one
- Familiarity with MIL-SPEC testing standards and optical system qualification processes
- Hands-on laboratory skills including alignment, interferometry, and wavefront sensing
Optical Scientist Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optical scientist in Maryland?
Maryland does not require a state-issued license specifically for optical scientists, so the path centers on education and clearance eligibility. Most Maryland employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a closely related field, with a master's or doctorate preferred for research roles at institutions like the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory or the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg. Obtaining or maintaining eligibility for a federal security clearance is a practical prerequisite for the majority of Maryland openings given the concentration of defense work in the region.
Which companies hire optical scientists in Maryland?
Employers hiring optical scientists in Maryland right now include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, KBR, and AMEWAS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Maryland's dense cluster of defense primes and federally funded research centers means hiring is relatively stable year-round, with demand driven largely by programs tied to the National Security Agency corridor in Fort Meade and aerospace contracts around Bethesda and Columbia.
Which Maryland cities have the most optical scientist jobs?
Laurel, Greenbelt, and Aberdeen account for the largest share of optical scientist openings in Maryland. Baltimore anchors university and medical imaging research, while the Washington-adjacent suburbs of Bethesda, Columbia, and Greenbelt concentrate defense and intelligence-agency contract work tied to facilities like NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, which explains why smaller suburban addresses can carry significant hiring weight alongside the larger metros.
Are there remote optical scientist jobs in Maryland?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of optical scientist openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on laboratory and hardware integration nature of most roles. The sub-areas most likely to support partial remote arrangements are computational modeling, optical system simulation, and technical writing for system specifications, while alignment, testing, and prototype work almost always require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a optical scientist in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a paid internship or co-op at one of Maryland's large defense contractors or federally funded laboratories, many of which recruit students completing physics or engineering degrees. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory runs structured student programs, and Northrop Grumman and Leidos both maintain campus recruiting pipelines for early-career engineers in the region. Adjacent roles such as optical technician, metrology engineer, or photonics lab assistant are common stepping-stones. Building a portfolio around Zemax or optical bench work and initiating the security clearance process early, even before graduating, gives Maryland candidates a measurable advantage.
Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings in one place. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No signup is required to see open positions.
See All 12 Optical Scientist Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist Jobs