ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Excelitas Technologies

R&D Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... optical coating manufacturing. Main Responsibilities * Support current and develop new ... Collaborates with Thin Film Engineering team and incorporates feedback into current and future ...

IDEX

Enterprise Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site +1

$127K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design ... Master's degree or above in in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics ...

IDEX Corporation

Enterprise Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Translate customer needs and requirements into manufacturable designs using CAD, coating design ... Master's degree or above in in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics ...

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Internal optical metrology: * Develop advanced characterization systems that provide new insights into coating performance, substrate characteristics, and support improvements in production yield

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... optical metrology: * Develop advanced characterization systems that provide new insights into coating performance, substrate characteristics, and support improvements in production yield * Design ...

Excelitas Technologies

Controls Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... optical fabrication, coating, and assembly activities. Main responsibilities: * Support of current ... MS in Engineering, Physics, or applicable field preferred. * 8+ years of industry experience * Six ...

New

Excelitas Technologies

Controls Engineer

Boulder, CO

$130K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... optical fabrication, coating, and assembly activities. Main responsibilities: * Support of current ... MS in Engineering, Physics, or applicable field preferred. * 8+ years of industry experience * Six ...

New

Xcimer Energy

Laser and Optics Controller

Denver, CO

$44 - $52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to read and interpret basic optical specifications of COTs and Custom components. * Understanding of coating purpose and limitations, including reflectivity, bandwidth, angle sensitivity, and ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser and Optics Controller

Denver, CO · On-site

$44 - $52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to read and interpret basic optical specifications of COTs and Custom components. * Understanding of coating purpose and limitations, including reflectivity, bandwidth, angle sensitivity, and ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser and Optics Controller

Denver, CO · On-site

$44 - $52/hr

Ability to read and interpret basic optical specifications of COTs and Custom components. * Understanding of coating purpose and limitations, including reflectivity, bandwidth, angle sensitivity, and ...

Attalon

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$88K - $151K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

Vytran LLC

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Internal optical metrology * Develop advanced characterization systems that provide new insights into coating performance, substrate characteristics, and support improvements in production yield.

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Internal optical metrology * Develop advanced characterization systems that provide new insights into coating performance, substrate characteristics, and support improvements in production yield.

Attalon, Inc.

Principal Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100.50 - $178/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high‑energy directed laser ...

Attalon, Inc.

Principal Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

Excelitas Technologies

Senior Operations Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This site offers capabilities that include substantial design and engineering resources, comprehensive optical fabrication and coating capabilities, advanced assembly technology and an extensive in ...

Attalon, Inc.

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$120K - $202K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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.

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Location:Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 8+ years of electro-optical experience
Minimum Education:Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field.
Compensation:$150,000-$190,000 depending on experience.

Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities - from semiconductor device through target identification - to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary:
Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to grow to coordinate execution of multi-disciplinary teams through GitLab-based planning tools. EO Engineers at our company learn a range of multi-disciplinary tools and techniques from opto-mechanical design and integration methods to software integration to data analysis. If you want a career progression opportunity from learning disciplined bench procedures, advancing to working as an integrated product team lead and ultimately a technical program manager and delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you. Our work can be difficult at times, but it is always entertaining, rewarding, and challenging.

All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at:https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.Please review this information before applying.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, Development, Integration, and Test for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon System and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS).
  • Responsibilities include hardware integration and test as well as data processing and preparation of performance and test documentation.
  • Responsible for development of test setups to evaluate performance parameters.
  • Work with team to execute complex integration activities.
  • Support field tests.
Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure.
  • Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives.
  • Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution.
  • Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, & mechanics (combination of COTS & custom mechanics & optics). Competence in maintaining cleanliness standards and operation in a clean room environment.
  • Expertise and competence in working with laser and electro-optical systems.
  • Exhibit strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex and constrained opto-mechanical alignment problems (particularly for ruggedized systems) and familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Technical Report Writing (i.e. good technical writing and documentation skills are critical).
  • Expertise and competence in working with high power laser systems.
  • Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and methods.
  • Integration for real-time control of electro-optical / mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Firmware, and/or C/C++/C# (normally involving code re-use).
  • Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking.
  • Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++/C# is beneficial.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.
  • Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high power applications.
  • Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.
Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
  • Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting and optical and structural adhesive mounting.
  • Familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Experience in optical system alignment and test methods.
  • Experience in Opto-Mechanical Assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, bonding.
  • Experience in thermal management systems.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test and analysis and isolation methods, in particular jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Experience with MATLAB & LabVIEW.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing.
  • Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.
Benefits Summary:
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 11 paid Holidays
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster:Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources atHR@nlightdefense.com.
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

Apply