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Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Degree(s) in Optical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or Physics. * Experience operating coating chambers. * Experience in designing optical coatings qualified for space flight.

Arcfield

Senior EO/IR Optical Engineer - Level V

Louisville, CO · On-site

$134K - $174K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to interpret and specify surface figure, TWE, wedge, parallelism, roughness, coating ... If you want to do serious optical engineering on systems that leave the ground, Orion is the place ...

Fusion Energy Base

Optical Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements, performance targets, and integration constraints. * Lead hands‑on coating deposition efforts, including thin ...

Xcimer Energy

Optical Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements, performance targets, and integration constraints. * Lead hands-on coating deposition efforts, including thin ...

Xcimer Energy

Optical Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements, performance targets, and integration constraints. * Lead hands-on coating deposition efforts, including thin ...

Medium

Optical Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with the optics and laser engineering teams to define coating requirements, performance targets, and integration constraints. * Lead hands‑on coating deposition efforts, including thin ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$90 - $129/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $90,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $90,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $90,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $90,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$90K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $90,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $130,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $130,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $130,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $130,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $150,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $150,000 ... Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high ...

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All JobsOptical Coating Engineer JobsOptical Coating Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Optical Coating Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$79.4K

$105.5K

$128.8K

How much do optical coating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical coating engineer in Colorado is $105,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,100.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical coating engineer do?

An Optical Coating Engineer designs, develops, and applies thin-film coatings to optical components to enhance performance by controlling reflection, transmission, and absorption of light. They work with vacuum deposition techniques, material science, and precision engineering to create coatings for lenses, mirrors, and optical filters. Their role involves process development, quality control, and troubleshooting to meet performance specifications for industries like aerospace, telecommunications, and medical imaging.

What are some typical projects or daily tasks for an optical coating engineer?

As an Optical Coating Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing thin-film coating processes, calibrating deposition equipment, performing quality inspections, and troubleshooting production issues. You may collaborate closely with optical designers, manufacturing technicians, and quality assurance teams to ensure coatings meet specific optical and mechanical requirements. Projects can range from developing anti-reflective coatings for lenses to creating specialized filters for advanced scientific or industrial applications. Working in this role provides a dynamic mix of hands-on lab work, process optimization, and teamwork, making it both challenging and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical coating engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Coating Engineer, you need strong expertise in optics, materials science, thin-film deposition techniques, and typically a degree in physics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with vacuum coating equipment, spectrophotometers, and industry-specific software such as thin-film design and simulation tools is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills enable precise development and application of optical coatings, ensuring product quality and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Coating Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Coating Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Coating Engineer job openings:

Optical Coating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Coating Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,487 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Eng Prin - Optical

BAE Systems

Boulder, CO • On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description


We are looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to join BAE Systems' Optics department. You will be a key contributor to our optical manufacturing capabilities. You will be a key contributor to EO payloads, the Optical Engineering department, and the Engineering, Science, and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop, implement, and sustain BAE Systems' internal existing coating capabilities.
  • Develop, implement, and sustain BAE Systems' future coating capabilities.
  • Work with optical architects on next generation payload design and requirements.
  • Work with our supply chain and optical procurements to support payload execution.
  • Produce data packages and reports using Microsoft Office tools.
  • Work in an independent manner with minimal direction and supervision.
  • Ability to supervise and instruct technicians or junior engineers.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
  • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
  • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Skills and Education
  • BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 6 or more years related experience.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • Experience with optical coating.
  • Experience with thin film design.
  • Solid interpersonal skills demonstrated through excellent communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
#LI-GJ1
A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.
Preferred Skills and Education
  • Degree(s) in Optical Engineering, Material Science, Chemical Engineering or Physics.
  • Experience operating coating chambers.
  • Experience in designing optical coatings qualified for space flight.
  • Experience working from concept through delivery of spaceflight rated hardware including data analysis and report generation is preferred.
  • Self-directed worker.
  • Experience working on a project and/or program with numerous engineering disciplines.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

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