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Optical Deployment Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ... Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a ...

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ... Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We ...

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ... Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a ...

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ... Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a ...

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer - Mission Modeling

Longmont, CO · On-site +1

$140K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ... Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers in the Mission Modeling group at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are ...

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer - Mission Modeling

Longmont, CO · On-site +1

$140K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ... Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers in the Mission Modeling group at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are ...

... optical transport systems, and ILA critical infrastructure • Lead the deployment and ... Author and review engineering design packages, methods of procedure, and scope of work ...

Engineer V

Longmont, CO · On-site

$105K - $189K/yr

... deployment, hands-on experience in optical space payload ground-based alignment, test and ... May assume technical and engineering responsibility of the success of an identifiable project.

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field ... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ...

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field ... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ...

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field ... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ...

Mechanical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$96K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related technical field ... deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Deployment Engineer information

What does an optical deployment engineer do?

An Optical Deployment Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing optical fiber networks that transmit data over long distances. Their work involves assessing network requirements, selecting appropriate optical equipment, and overseeing the installation and testing of fiber optic infrastructure. They ensure that the optical network meets performance standards and troubleshoot issues related to signal quality or connectivity. This role is essential in supporting high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data center operations.

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

To thrive as an Optical Deployment Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optical networking principles, fiber optic technologies, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Experience with design and simulation tools (such as OptiSystem or Visio), familiarity with DWDM/CWDM systems, and relevant certifications like Cisco CCNA or FOA CFOT are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you coordinate deployments and troubleshoot complex issues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable, high-performance optical networks and successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges optical deployment engineers face when working on large-scale network projects?

Optical Deployment Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight project timelines, and troubleshooting unforeseen issues during fiber installation or equipment deployment. Working on large-scale projects may require adapting to changing site conditions and ensuring that all installations meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Effective communication and collaboration with construction teams, network planners, and vendors are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Optical Deployment Engineer vs Fiber Optic Technician?

AspectOptical Deployment EngineerFiber Optic Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, certifications like FOA or CiscoHigh school diploma or equivalent, certifications like FOA or OSHA
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and overseeing deployment projects, often in office or fieldInstalling, splicing, and maintaining fiber optic cables on-site
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, network infrastructureTelecom companies, internet providers, cable TV installation

While both roles involve fiber optics, the Optical Deployment Engineer focuses on planning and managing deployment projects, whereas the Fiber Optic Technician handles hands-on installation and maintenance. Both roles are essential in the fiber optic industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Deployment Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 10+ years of electro-optical experience
Minimum Education: Master's Degree in Engineering, Science or related field. PhD is preferred.
Compensation: $170,000-$210,000 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. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only problem-solving and aligning systems during system integration but leading the planning, coordination, and technical execution of complex, multi-disciplinary development and integration efforts.
Senior EO Engineers mentor and help technically guide other engineers and technicians, shaping best practices while learning and applying a broad set of multi-disciplinary tools and techniques ranging from opto-mechanical design and integration methods to software integration, controls, and advanced data analysis.
This role is designed for individuals who have progressed beyond disciplined bench execution and now routinely lead integrated product teams, own subsystem or system-level technical performance, influence programmatic decisions, and interface directly with internal stakeholders and external customers. If you want a career progression opportunity that leads from technical leadership to integrated product team lead and ultimately a technical program or system architect role, delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you.
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:
  • Lead design, development, integration, and test of High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon Systems and/or HEL Beam Control Systems (BCS).
  • Serve as a system or subsystem technical lead, driving architecture, interfaces, requirements flow-down, and verification strategies.
  • Responsibilities include hardware integration and test, definition of test strategies, data processing, and preparation of formal performance, qualification, and acceptance test documentation.
  • Define, design, and approve complex test setups to evaluate key system performance parameters.
  • Coordinate and technically direct team members to execute complex integration activities across optics, mechanics, electronics, firmware, and software.
  • Provide on-site and remote technical leadership during field tests, including troubleshooting, data analysis, and real-time decision-making.
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans in coordination with program management.

Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and strong working relationships under pressure.
  • Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute work with minimal oversight, meeting mid- to long-term program milestones.
  • Advanced problem-solving capability, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple technical disciplines to reach sound engineering decisions.
  • Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, and mechanics (COTS and custom). Demonstrated leadership in enforcing cleanliness, contamination control, and process discipline, including cleanroom environments.
  • Recognized expertise in working with laser and electro-optical systems, including safety, reliability, and performance optimization.
  • Exhibit expert-level troubleshooting skills to solve complex and constrained opto-mechanical alignment problems, particularly for ruggedized systems.
  • Author, review, and approve technical reports, test plans, procedures, and customer-facing documentation.
  • Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and methods, including algorithm selection and performance trade studies.
  • Lead integration efforts for real-time control of electro-optical and 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, with demonstrated ownership of system-level performance metrics.
  • Strong working proficiency in MATLAB and/or C/C++/C#; ability to review, modify, and guide software development.
  • Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, particularly for high power applications.
  • Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and technicians and providing technical direction across disciplines.

Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
  • Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting, and optical/structural adhesive mounting.
  • System-level understanding of electro-optical architecture and interface management.
  • Experience in optical system alignment and test methods, including tolerance analysis and alignment planning.
  • Experience in opto-mechanical assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, and bonding.
  • Experience in thermal management systems and thermal performance trade-offs.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test, analysis, and isolation methods, particularly jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Advanced experience with MATLAB and LabVIEW.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optics (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design, analysis, and/or qualification 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 IllegalIf you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]