1

Optical Coating Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO ยท 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 ...

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO ยท On-site

$120 - $202.50/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 ...

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

QA Technician

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$21 - $29/hr

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

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

Fabrication Technician

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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

Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO ยท 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 ...

Fabrication Technician

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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

Fabrication Technician

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$21 - $26/hr

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

Fabrication Technician

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$21 - $26/hr

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

Fabrication Technician II

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$23 - $26/hr

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

New

Showing results 41-60

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 22, 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 cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Coating Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Optical Coating Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,487 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Engineering Manager

Attalon, Inc.

Longmont, CO โ€ข On-site

$120K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.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 systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Located along Colorado’s scenic Front Range and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Longmont offers a high quality of life, breathtaking natural beauty, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it the perfect place to balance work and play.

This role is an on-site position based in Longmont, CO. Our Laser and Gimbal Systems Division focuses on building high energy lasers and precision opto-mechanical assemblies for the defense market, supporting critical national security initiatives and defense innovation. At Attalon, we’re redefining performance, precision, and reliability in defense technologies.


Job Details

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager for our Electro-Optical group, a multidisciplinary team of Optical, Electrical, Systems, and Controls Engineers at our location in Longmont, CO. In this role, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to a highly skilled engineering team responsible for developing and delivering cutting-edge technologies and systems. You will oversee team recruitment, talent development, and performance management while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and a customer-focused mindset. By driving technical excellence across multiple disciplines and ensuring seamless integration of optical, electrical, systems, and controls components, you will play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of programs and initiatives. This position entails an approximate 80/20 balance between direct technical contributions and administrative management responsibilities.


Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership and Management
    • Oversee recruitment, career development, performance assessments, salary planning, and employee recognition for the mechanical engineering team.
    • Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment by mentoring and coaching engineers, promoting skill development, and ensuring knowledge transfer initiatives.
    • Conduct gap assessments, define training plans, and implement strategies to enhance the team’s technical capabilities.
    • Actively promote a customer-focused mindset to ensure the delivery of innovative and reliable mechanical solutions.
  • Project and Resource Oversight
    • Plan and manage design and analysis resources to support the successful execution of a portfolio of laser and gimbal system programs.
    • Allocate resources effectively to support program requirements, meet deadlines, and drive program success.
    • Maintain close oversight of Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) planning and support Basis of Estimate (BOE) generation activities related to engineering tasks.
  • Technical Leadership
    • Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) in your own domain of expertise (Optical, Electrical, Systems, or Controls Engineering), while developing a high-level understanding of the other disciplines to effectively oversee, guide, and support the team.
    • Provide technical oversight across all disciplines, ensuring engineering solutions meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and affordability goals.
    • Actively contribute as an individual technical contributor in your specific domain of expertise, while providing technical leadership and strategic direction for engineering efforts across Optical, Electrical, Systems, and Controls disciplines.
    • Mentor technical leads and engineers within other disciplines to help them solve problems, manage risks, and drive alignment to overall system design and performance objectives.
  • Design and Development
    • Oversee design, analyses, and integration efforts within your own domain of expertise on programs to ensure compliance with performance, programmatic, and quality requirements.
    • Support system-level design coordination with cross-functional teams, including Systems Engineering, Electrical, Software, Test, and Manufacturing, to integrate designs into comprehensive hardware solutions.
  • Program Execution and Business Development Support
    • Support program development efforts, including customer proposal development, system requirements definition, and technical reviews.
    • Guide the team to align engineering efforts with organizational and programmatic goals, ensuring project deadlines and cost-efficiency expectations are met.
  • Advancing Technology and Innovation
    • Drive innovation through collaboration, exploration of new methodologies and tools, and integration of advanced engineering technologies for performance improvement.
    • Define and execute strategic initiatives to grow the team’s capabilities and align with future program objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum ten years of related experience in a professional role with a Bachelor’s degree or related discipline.
  • Minimum of seven years of experience with a Master’s degree or three years with a Ph.D. in a relevant field.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced technical expertise in one of the primary disciplines relevant to the role (Optical, Electrical, Systems, or Controls Engineering), with a focus on technologies involving optical systems (e.g., lasers, imagers) or precision pointing mechanisms (e.g., gimbaled telescopes).
  • Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and integration of complex optical systems, precision pointing systems, or related hardware and technologies.
  • Strong understanding of the challenges associated with integrating optical, electrical, mechanical, and software systems, including design constraints, performance trade-offs, interfaces, and alignment requirements for precision-pointing, optical, systems.
  • Familiarity with systems engineering tools and practices: Knowledge of methodologies such as error budgeting, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Technical Performance Measure (TPM) tracking.
  • Exposure to optical systems integration and testing: Experience with integrating, aligning, or testing optical systems is highly valued, and familiarity with optical and dynamic testing or data analysis is a plus.
  • Extensive knowledge of precision pointing mechanisms, including the design, control, and stabilization of gimbaled systems for enhanced performance and reliability.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills: Effective communication and collaboration skills with a proven ability to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team. Attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving are essential.


For Colorado, the salary pay range for this role is $120,000.00- $202,500.00

Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.


Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.