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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO

$116K - $152K/yr

This role requires hands-on experience with optical design software, a strong background in optics ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

This role requires hands-on experience with optical design software, a strong background in optics ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

AURA

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $169K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of telescope and instrument optical systems, ensuring they meet demanding scientific requirements while remaining ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Achieving our strategic intent will require best in class optical design engineering expertise in support of our customers and their mission critical, innovative needs. In support of this strategy ...

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All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Optical Design Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$83.6K

$147.1K

$197.2K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Colorado is $147,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $166,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Optical Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What are Optical Design Engineers?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in CO? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Optical Engineer, Design & Architecture

Optical Engineer, Design & Architecture

Anduril Industries

Boulder, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Anduril Imaging team develops state-of-the-art imaging systems across both hardware and software, deployed to tackle the most significant security challenges of America and its allies. The team is heavily involved in utilizing computer vision, perception, electro-optical, infrared, and sensor data to give our war fighters and allies an advantage.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Imaging team is seeking an Optical Engineer to focus on design and architecture in support of an expanding and maturing product line at a transition point from prototyping to maturity.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead architecture decisions, optical trades for novel optical systems for broadly defined missions
  • Design lenses and optical components for high performance imaging systems
  • Understand and define optical performance requirements given multi-disciplinary engineering constraints
  • Transition a high TRL prototype optical assembly to a production fieldable system.
  • Design and tolerance complex visible to infrared optical systems to meet performance requirements for ground & airborne applications
  • Develop and review test setups, procedures, and data to transition products and systems from R&D to production
  • Evaluate and analyze prototype and production optical system performance errors to determine root cause
  • Work independently and collaborate with senior staff and leadership to solve interdisciplinary technical problems by serving as the Optical Engineering subject matter expert
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS in Engineering or Physics/Astronomy required with a concentration in Optics
  • MS or PhD preferred, but not required
  • 5+ years of experience with complex opto-mechanical systems, performing optical system design, analysis, alignment and test in the workforce
  • Experience building LIDAR, laser communications, or adaptive optics systems, with a strong understanding of pointing, acquisition, and tracking.
  • Expertise with optical design and analysis software, preferably Zemax or CodeV
  • Experience with STOP (Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance) analysis
  • Knowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methods
  • Experience with the design of diffraction limited imaging systems in dynamic environments
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated first principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problems
  • Optical component testing experience (spectral transmission, interferometry, etc.), optical system alignment and testing (EE, MTF, PSF, etc.), and opto-electrical system modeling
  • Demonstrated experience in the integration, test, and performance requirements verification and validation of optical systems
  • Experience with radiometry and stray light analysis
  • Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff
  • Knowledge of common materials used in optical systems and limitations of fabrication methods of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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