Optical Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Optical Scientist jobs in Virginia are concentrated around Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond corridor, where defense contractors, federal agencies, and research institutions drive sustained demand for optical engineers, systems designers, and laser specialists. Employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and BAE Systems maintain large engineering workforces in the state and regularly hire across mid-level to senior optical science roles. Sensor development, electro-optical systems, and fiber optic communications are among the most consistently sought specializations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This is a special opportunity to join us as an Electro-Optical (EO) Imagery Scientist to support the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) Assurance and Governance Office (QA) Accreditation of AI Models (AGAIM) program. Looked upon your expertise to help evaluate and validate AI-enabled GEOINT capabilities against operational imagery datasets to ensure AI systems perform reliably in the environments where mission success matters most. Working at the intersection of GEOINT tradecraft, remote sensing science, and AI/ML evaluation. You’ll analyze how environmental effects collection geometry, sensor limitations, and image quality impact algorithm performance to designing analytic methodologies and validation frameworks that test AI systems beyond ideal conditions. Your expertise in EO phenomenology, collection systems, and image exploitation will directly shape how NGA accredits and operationalizes emerging AI capabilities across the enterprise. If you are ready to apply your expertise and directly influence the future of operational AI within national security, apply today!
Requirements
- Current active Top Secret / SCI clearance with the willingness to obtain CI poly.
- You’ve achieved an accomplishment of a PhD + 10 years / Master's degree + 13 / Bachelor’s degree + 15 / Associate's degree + 16 / 18+ years of relevant experience.
- You’ve gained deep expertise in EO collection systems, phenomenology, and image formation to properly evaluate AI performance as understanding how imagery is created, how sensors behave, and how environmental conditions affect what an algorithm ‘sees’.
- Strong experience evaluating AI/ML algorithms using operational EO datasets to support in assessing whether an algorithm performs reliably across the variability complexity of real-world GEOINT collection.
- Experience exploiting EO imagery to determine occurrence and location of objects of interest (OOIs), in order to evaluate whether AI outputs are analytically meaningful.
- Experience developing, testing, or evaluating analytic methodologies or algorithms to support methodology design, testing framework, and measurable performance standards.
- Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, and/or Google Earth Engine as you will be handling large operational datasets, testing analytic workflows, and assessing model outputs.
- Deep understanding of remote sensing principles and GEOINT tradecraft.
- Experience applying image quality metrics and assessing environmental or sensor impacts in order to understand how haze, shadows, off-nadir angle, weather, compression, or sensor limitations affect algorithm confidence and reliability.
Desired
- Experience with computer vision and machine learning applied to EO imagery
If you are passionate in helping define how NGA evaluates AI performance, establishes operational confidence, and ensures AI-enabled GEOINT capabilities are mission ready before they reach the analysts or the battlefield, send your resume directly to Lanchi Lai, (Lanchi.Lai@xts-inc.com).
At XTS, we believe in taking care of our employees as much as we take care of our clients. As a veteran-owned company, we understand the importance of community, service, and fostering a culture where each team member can thrive. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in the comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities we offer. We offer tailored health care plans that fit your lifestyle, along with dental and vision coverage, paid time off (PTO), and a 401K with employer matching to secure your financial future. As we push forward in the rapidly evolving field of AI, XTS is committed to providing employees with tools and opportunities to stay ahead. We are proud to offer our GeoAI scholarship to help our employees further develop their skills and expertise in this innovative field. We take pride in delivering elite workforces to the Intelligence Community, making a real-world impact on critical missions. Join us and experience a company that invests in your success and professional growth.
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See All 6 Optical Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist JobsOptical Scientist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optical Scientist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in optical engineering, physics, or photonics required
- Experience designing electro-optical or infrared sensor systems for defense or government programs
- Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax, CODE V, or similar tools
- Active or eligible U.S. security clearance, with many Virginia roles requiring Secret or TS/SCI
- Hands-on experience with laser systems, fiber optics, or imaging system integration
- Familiarity with MIL-SPEC standards and government program documentation requirements
Optical Scientist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optical scientist in Virginia?
Optical scientists in Virginia typically enter the field through a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, applied physics, or photonics, with most competitive roles requiring a master's degree or higher. Virginia does not issue a state license specifically for optical scientists, so hiring decisions center on technical credentials and demonstrated laboratory or systems experience. Many Virginia employers, particularly defense contractors, also expect candidates to obtain or hold a federal security clearance as a condition of employment.
Which companies hire optical scientists in Virginia?
Employers hiring optical scientists in Virginia right now include MANTECH, Xcellent Technology Solutions, and MITRE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of defense primes and federal research agencies makes it one of the most active states for optical science hiring in the country.
Which Virginia cities have the most optical scientist jobs?
Springfield and McLean have the most optical scientist openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to the Pentagon and major defense contractor campuses drives the largest share of postings, while Hampton Roads and the Richmond area anchor demand through naval research facilities, shipbuilders, and engineering services firms with long-standing government contracts.
Are there remote optical scientist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Optical scientist work is fundamentally hands-on, involving lab environments, prototype hardware, and classified government facilities where remote work is limited by both the nature of the role and security requirements. About 0% of optical scientist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions typically involve computational modeling, simulation, or systems analysis rather than hardware integration or lab work.
How can I get hired as a optical scientist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op with a Virginia defense contractor or national laboratory, which many Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads employers offer to current graduate students or recent graduates. Roles such as optical technician, photonics lab assistant, or systems test engineer serve as common lateral entry points. Building a portfolio of Zemax or CODE V projects and pursuing a federal security clearance eligibility early significantly strengthen a candidate's profile with Virginia employers.
Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, research, and commercial employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to each position.
See All 6 Optical Scientist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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