ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement ... Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement ... Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement ... Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

The Senior Optical Project Engineer will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S ... S. and Foreign SDA optical capabilities • Frequently interacting with program managers, SETAs ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$132K - $171K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Mod/Sim Analyst Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... S. and Foreign SDA optical capabilities • Frequently interacting with program managers, SETAs ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Mod/Sim Analyst Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... S. and Foreign SDA optical capabilities Frequently interacting with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Supports the commercial, program management, and site teams to drive growth and meet new market ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or ...

Hach

Optical Engineer, Core Systems

Loveland, CO

$110K - $125K/yr

Reporting to the Manager, Hardware Engineering - Core Systems, the Optical Engineer will be focused on leading and supporting the development of innovative and robust optical design solutions for ...

Hach

Optical Engineer, Core Systems

Loveland, CO · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Reporting to the Manager, Hardware Engineering - Core Systems, the Optical Engineer will be focused on leading and supporting the development of innovative and robust optical design solutions for ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical ... Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently. * High ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical ... Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently. * High ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical ... Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently. * High ...

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Manage proposals for pursuits of new science and technology business * Prepares calculations ... Principal investigator for DoD research and development projects. * Submits technical proposals for ...

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Manage proposals for pursuits of new science and technology business * Prepares calculations ... Principal investigator for DoD research and development projects. * Submits technical proposals for ...

Arcfield

Senior EO/IR Optical Engineer - Level V

Louisville, CO · On-site

$134K - $174K/yr

Responsibilities Build Optical Systems That Actually Fly Orion Space Solutions designs and builds ... Clear technical writing and the ability to brief results to scientists, engineers, program managers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer JobsManager Principal Optical Engineer JobsManager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Manager Principal Optical Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in optical engineering, physics, and system design, typically backed by a master’s or Ph.D. in optics or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation tools (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD software, and experience managing optical prototyping and testing are crucial. Outstanding leadership, project management, and communication skills help guide multidisciplinary teams and drive complex projects to completion. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring project success, and fostering a collaborative engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectManager Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in optics or related fields, with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsFocuses on designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems
Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and research organizationsCommon in manufacturing, R&D, and product development sectors

The main difference is that the Manager Principal Optical Engineer oversees teams and projects, requiring leadership skills, while the Optical Engineer primarily focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the managerial responsibilities distinguish the Manager Principal Optical Engineer.

What are Manager Principal Optical Engineers?

Manager Principal Optical Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the design, development, and optimization of optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. In addition to their technical expertise, they manage teams of engineers, coordinate projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure that optical solutions meet performance, cost, and quality goals. They also play a key role in mentoring junior staff and contributing to the strategic planning of optical engineering initiatives within an organization.

How does a Manager Principal Optical Engineer typically balance technical project responsibilities with team leadership duties?

In this role, you'll split your time between hands-on optical engineering—such as system design, simulation, and troubleshooting—and leading a team of engineers. You'll be responsible for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring project milestones are met. Effective communication and delegation are crucial, as you'll often coordinate with cross-functional teams in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Balancing these aspects requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize both immediate technical challenges and long-term strategic goals.
What are popular job titles related to Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Principal Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on-site at our Boulder, CO facility 4-5 days per week.

Job Responsibilities
  • Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
  • Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
  • Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
  • Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
  • Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
  • Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
  • Generate new intellectual property and inventions
  • Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
  • External speaking and/or customer engagements
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 10+ years optical design experience
  • 7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
  • Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
Qualifications
  • Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
  • Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
  • Deep experience and knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
  • Experience with high-power lasers and optical design toward high-power systems.
  • Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
  • Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $160,000-185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

Apply