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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

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

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

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

Samtec

Optics Component Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$127.10K - $164.60K/yr

Collaborate with engineering design team to develop and execute validation plans for optical and opto-electronic components (e.g. lenses, VCSELs, drivers...) * Work with critical vendors to ensure ...

Samtec

Optics Component Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$127.10K - $164.60K/yr

Collaborate with engineering design team to develop and execute validation plans for optical and opto-electronic components (e.g. lenses, VCSELs, drivers...) * Work with critical vendors to ensure ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$97.01K - $164.91K/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 ...

nLIGHT

Harness Design Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... Summary: As a Harness Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, documenting, and ...

Arcfield

Senior Optical-Mechanical Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$109.20K - $144.20K/yr

You will work closely with other engineers and technicians to design and develop cutting-edge optical systems. Experienced with frequent use and application of technical standards, principles and ...

nLIGHT

Harness Design Engineer

Longmont, CO

$100K - $160K/yr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... Summary: As a Harness Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, documenting, and ...

nLIGHT

Harness Design Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... Summary: As a Harness Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, documenting, and ...

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

nLIGHT

Harness Design Engineer

Longmont, CO

$100K - $160K/yr

Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing ... Summary: As a Harness Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, documenting, and ...

Xcimer Energy

Senior Optical Engineer - Stray Light

Denver, CO · On-site

$56.75 - $73.25/hr

Work closely with opto-mechanical engineers to design and validate physical stray light mitigation ... S. degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field. * Experience: 5+ years of ...

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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 May 30, 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 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 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 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 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 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 May 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.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

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

Job Responsibilities
  • Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
  • Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements.
  • Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
  • Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
  • Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 5-8+ years optical design experience
  • 4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
  • Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
  • Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently.
  • High attention-to-detail and accuracy
  • Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
  • Excellent communication, listening and people skills

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.