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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

... optical engineers to integrate power and thermal mitigation solutions into compact designs * Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and system-level issues safely and effectively. * Mentor junior ...

... optical engineers to integrate power and thermal mitigation solutions into compact designs * Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and system-level issues safely and effectively. * Mentor junior ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

... optical engineers to integrate power and thermal mitigation solutions into compact designs * Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and system-level issues safely and effectively. * Mentor junior ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field ... Mentor more junior engineers and help maintain a culture of tribal knowledge transfer and continued ...

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field ... Mentor more junior engineers and help maintain a culture of tribal knowledge transfer and continued ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Optical Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$35.2K

$75.5K

$115.1K

How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical engineer in Colorado is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $84,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or CODE V), basic laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently within engineering teams and present findings clearly. These skills ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and collaborative project development in this technically demanding role.

What does a junior optical engineer do?

As a Junior Optical Engineer, you may assist in designing, testing, and evaluating optical systems such as lenses, imaging devices, or sensors under the supervision of senior engineers. Your responsibilities often include running simulations, performing hands-on experiments in the lab, analyzing data, and contributing to technical reports. You’ll also collaborate closely with colleagues in mechanical and electrical engineering to integrate optical components into larger systems. This role often provides opportunities to learn from mentors and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications, which is valuable for long-term career growth in the optical engineering field.

What is a junior optical engineer?

A Junior Optical Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional specializing in optical systems, components, and technologies. They assist in designing, testing, and optimizing optical devices such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research and development. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of optics principles, and proficiency with simulation tools are often required. This role provides foundational experience for growing into more advanced optical engineering positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,498 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Associate Manager, Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Lockheed Martin

Louisville, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
The Optical Talent Center within LockheedMartin Space is seeking a Associate Manager, Opto-mechanical engineer to lead a team of 5 to 10 engineers in the design and development of cuttingedge optical payloads.
What You'll Do
Lead & Mentor: Direct a team of Opto-Mechanical engineers, fostering collaboration across mechanical, optical, electrical, and systems domains.
Design Innovation: Own the mechanical architecture for a broad portfolio of passive, active, and directedenergy optical payloads, addressing unique structural, thermal, and vibration challenges.
Analysis & Validation: Perform highprecision mechanical analyses and validate designs through modeling, prototyping, and testing.
CrossFunctional Integration: Work closely with optical engineers, payload managers, and program stakeholders to translate system requirements into robust mechanical solutions.
What You Bring
Technical Expertise: Proven track record in optomechanical design for highperformance optical systems (telescopes, laser weapons, imaging sensors).
Quantitative Rigor: Strong analytical skills with proficiency in GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precisionassembly techniques.
Leadership Ability: Experience leading engineering teams, driving consensus, and mentoring junior staff.
Effective Communicator: Exceptional written and oral communication skills; comfortable preparing and delivering clear technical briefings, design reviews, and status reports to technical and nontechnical audiences, ranging from senior leadership to external partners.
ProblemSolver Mindset: Ability to tackle "formfits function" challenges in precision payload subsystems under demanding performance and schedule constraints.
Why Join Us?
Work on highimpact space programs that push the boundaries of optical technology.
Collaborative environment that values innovation, diversity of thought, and continuous learning.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912