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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

The candidate will possess a deep understanding of optical design and should be able to provide multiple examples of complex designs that have been implemented and deployed. The Engineering, Science ...

IDEX Corporation

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 ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Solid foundation in optical engineering principles, including optical design, analysis, alignment, testing techniques, and equipment. * Experience with cost and schedule reporting. * Excellent ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Lead or participate in optical sub-system development, integration, and alignment, working closely with engineers from various disciplines. * Participate in design reviews, presenting findings, and ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$115K - $196K/yr

Lead or participate in optical sub-system development, integration, and alignment, working closely with engineers from various disciplines. * Participate in design reviews, presenting findings, and ...

IonQ

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Up to 5% Job ID: 1700 The Role The Senior Optomechanical Engineer will be responsible for designing ... This role requires hands-on experience with optical design software, a strong background in optics ...

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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 Jun 21, 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The growing use of laser technology, imaging systems, and photonics drives employment opportunities, especially for those with skills in optical design software and systems integration.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced optical design engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-end imaging can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in optical systems and design tools like Zemax or Code V.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical modeling software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or imaging often earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing tend to offer such compensation levels, especially with leadership responsibilities or in high-cost regions.

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 do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet performance specifications and quality standards.

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
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,125 per year, or $70.7 per hour.
Optical Engineer, Design & Architecture

Optical Engineer, Design & Architecture

Anduril Industries

Boulder, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 3 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
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

Social media

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