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Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer - 888

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

Knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) and engineering change processes. * Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex optical and electro-optical systems.

CEI

Senior Optical Transport Engineer

Englewood, CO

$55/hr

Network Engineer Location : Englewood, CO Schedule : Hybrid (4 days onsite) Rate : $55/hour W2 We ... Knowledge of optical performance monitoring, wavelength management, and circuit provisioning.

New

Atom Computing

Optical Engineering Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical engineers who are driving the development and implementation of optical solutions for our quantum computers. You will bring in-depth ...

New

Atom Computing

Optical Engineering Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical engineers who are driving the development and implementation of optical solutions for our quantum computers. You will bring in-depth ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineering Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical engineers who are driving the development and implementation of optical solutions for our quantum computers. You will bring in-depth ...

Quantinuum

Advanced Optics Engineer - 938

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$131K - $165K/yr

You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements ... management records, and working from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and ...

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer II - 894

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$102K - $128K/yr

You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements ... management records, and working from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a ... Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans in coordination with program management.

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a ... Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans in coordination with program management.

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

Manager Principal Optical Engineer information

What is a manager principal optical engineer?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager principal optical engineer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Optics Engineer - 888

Quantinuum

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, build, assemble, align, and characterize complex, high-precision optical subassemblies and optical systems.

  • Integrate prototype and proof-of-concept systems involving lasers, optics, fiber optics, electronics, software, and precision mechanical assemblies.

  • Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase, frequency, polarization, stability, and noise.

Job description

We are seeking an Optics Engineer in our Broomfield, CO location to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, assembling, aligning, integrating, characterizing, and testing optical systems used in Quantinuum's quantum computers. This role supports research and development, prototype builds, optical characterization, system integration, documentation development, and production readiness activities. You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements, and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical system design and integration, laser characterization, optical metrology, precision alignment, and opto-mechanical assembly.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit a pre-employment drug test
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, assemble, align, and characterize complex, high-precision optical subassemblies and optical systems.
  • Integrate prototype and proof-of-concept systems involving lasers, optics, fiber optics, electronics, software, and precision mechanical assemblies.
  • Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase, frequency, polarization, stability, and noise.
  • Troubleshoot optical and opto-mechanical systems and perform root cause failure analysis to support product improvements and manufacturing readiness.
  • Develop, execute, and document optical test plans, characterization procedures, and engineering work instructions.
  • Collect, analyze, graph, interpret, and present experimental and production data to support engineering decisions.
  • Collaborate with Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering teams and Scientists to develop, validate, and transition new optical technologies into production.
  • Support prototype development, sustaining engineering activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with production standards.
  • Package completed optical assemblies and ensure products meet commercial manufacturing quality requirements.
  • Follow laboratory safety procedures, equipment guidelines, and quality standards during all engineering activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree minimum
  • 1+ years of experience in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with optical systems, laser systems, and optical laboratory environments.
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status.
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • Strong knowledge of optical and electrical laboratory equipment, including lasers, fiber optic components, acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, precision optical instrumentation, and test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, and frequency counters.
  • Experience designing, integrating, aligning, and testing free-space and fiber-coupled optical or electro-optical systems, including optical subassemblies, fiber fusion splicing, optical fiber handling, and precision opto-mechanical assembly.
  • Broad understanding of optical engineering principles, including optical frequency noise reduction, active optics, and closed-loop control techniques, with demonstrated application to complex engineering challenges.
  • Experience using optical design and mechanical CAD software such as Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience creating and maintaining engineering documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), test plans, engineering change documentation, and configuration management records.
  • Experience working from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and technicians to support research and development, prototype builds, manufacturing readiness, and continuous production improvements.
  • Knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) and engineering change processes.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex optical and electro-optical systems.
  • Knowledge of sustaining engineering, continuous improvement methodologies, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 5S principles.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and technical documentation skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research and manufacturing environment.

$80,800 - $101,000 a year
Compensation & Benefits
The pay range for this role is $80,800 - $101,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.
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. We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

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