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Entry Level Application Developer Jobs in Colorado

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination ... level) * Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields * Senior ...

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How much do entry level application developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level application developer in Colorado is $55.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.47 and $63.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level application developer do?

An Entry Level Application Developer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced developers, writing code, debugging issues, and participating in testing. Their tasks may include collaborating with team members, learning new programming languages or frameworks, and contributing to the documentation of projects. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited experience who are looking to start a career in software development.

What are some common challenges that entry level application developers face during their first few months on the job?

Entry-level application developers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new programming languages or frameworks, understanding existing codebases, and managing multiple tasks or deadlines. Collaborating effectively with senior developers and learning to use version control systems like Git can also be initial hurdles. However, most organizations provide mentorship and onboarding programs to help new developers integrate smoothly, develop their technical skills, and become confident contributors to their teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level application developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Application Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic knowledge of databases or cloud platforms is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn new technologies help set you apart in this role. These skills are crucial for effectively building, maintaining, and improving applications while collaborating with experienced developers in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Application Developer vs Junior Software Engineer?

CriteriaEntry Level Application DeveloperJunior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; some certificationsBachelor's in CS or related field; some certifications
Work EnvironmentTech companies, software firms, startupsTech companies, software firms, startups
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in software development teamsCommonly used in software development teams
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap, often compared for entry rolesHigh overlap, often compared for entry roles

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields and are employed in similar environments like tech companies and startups. The terms are often used interchangeably for entry-level positions, with slight variations depending on company terminology. Understanding these similarities helps job seekers target the right roles and tailor their applications effectively.

Are entry level application developers still in demand?

Entry level application developers are currently in demand due to ongoing digital transformation across industries. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, along with knowledge of development frameworks, increase employability in this field.

How much do entry-level application developers make?

Entry-level application developers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and skills such as knowledge of programming languages like Java or Python. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions but tend to increase with experience and additional certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Application Developer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Application Developer jobs in Colorado are:

Entry Level Application Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Application Developer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,131 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity Brands

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Acuity Brands rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. 

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. 

Work location:

  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary

The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.

Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:

  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts

  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation

  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis

  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts

  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)

  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends

  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs

  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development

  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts

  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)

  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills

  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please click here and here for more information.  

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search. 

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