ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Harness Design Engineer

Longmont, CO

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

$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

$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

$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 ...

Acuity, Inc.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/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.

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/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.

Arcfield

Mechanical Design Engineer III

Louisville, CO · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

As a mechanical engineer on our team, you will drive design excellence into wide range of OSS ... Experience developing hardware for high reliability space missions: spacecraft, electro-optical ...

True Anomaly

Electro-Optical Engineer II

Denver, CO

$95K - $155K/yr

Design, model, and analyze imaging systems for space-based payload applications, from concept ... Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace ...

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design * Prepares ... Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design * Prepares ... Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design * Prepares ... Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design * Prepares ... Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

Arete Associates

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $177K/yr

As an Optical Systems Engineer , you will assist in designing and building solid-state ... Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design * Prepares ...

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design * Prepares ... Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 15, 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
Harness Design Engineer

Harness Design Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in electrical harness design.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering.
Compensation: $100,000-$160,000 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:
As a Harness Design Engineer, you’ll be responsible for designing, documenting, and supporting the integration of electrical harnesses for advanced laser and electro-optical systems. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to ensure signal integrity, power delivery, and compliance with military standards.

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:    
  • Design and document cable harnesses for power, data, and control systems using Altium Designer
  • Select and specify MIL-STD connectors, backshells, and cable types for rugged defense applications
  • Develop detailed wiring diagrams, schematics, and cable assembly drawings
  • Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure harnesses meet space, thermal, and EMI constraints
  • Support build and test of harnesses, including continuity checks, shielding verification, and connector torque specs
  • Maintain configuration control and revision tracking for harness documentation
  • Assist in troubleshooting harness-related issues during integration and testing
  • Ensure compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 and MIL-STD cable build practices
Required Experience / Capability:     
  • Commitment to Excellence.  Attention to Detail.  Pride in Workmanship.  
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality documentation
  • Proficiency in Altium Designer and Harness Designer for schematic and harness layout
  • Experience designing cable assemblies for aerospace or defense applications
  • Familiarity with MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-5015, and other military-grade connectors
  • Working knowledge of EMI/EMC mitigation strategies and shielding techniques
  • Understanding of grounding, bonding, and cable routing best practices
  • Ability to interpret and apply IPC/MIL-STD standards for cable design and fabrication
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Exposure to PCB design and integration
  • Experience with fiber optic cable design and MTP/LC connectors
  • Familiarity with NFPA 70 electrical standards
  • Understanding of compliance testing for EMC and environmental standards (MIL-STD-461, UL, CE)
  • Basic programming knowledge (Python, C/C++) for test automation or documentation tools
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 Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at HR@nlightdefense.com.