ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Acuity Brands, 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 ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Hunt Electric

DAS Apprentice

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The DAS Technology Apprentice position is an entry-level position for someone willing to learn ... Install coaxial, UTP, and fiber-optic cables throughout new and existing buildings. * Install DAS ...

Zayo Group LLC

Intern Test-1

Denver, CO

$24.75 - $33/hr

Identifying and mapping location and depth of utilities for fiber optic cable and underground ... Communicating with clients, engineers and management. * Using a variety of techniques (electrical ...

Centerline Communications LLC

Tower Technician

Denver, CO

$21 - $28/hr

... entry level techs at elevation. What You Will Do: * Installation and maintenance of mounts ... Installation and maintenance of coaxial and DC power/fiber optic transmission lines. * Assist with ...

Centerline

Tower Technician

Denver, CO · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

... entry level techs at elevation. What You Will Do: * Installation and maintenance of mounts ... Installation and maintenance of coaxial and DC power/fiber optic transmission lines. * Assist with ...

Centerline

Cell Tower Technician

Boulder, CO · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

... entry level techs at elevation. Candidates will be based out of Cleveland, GA but will be traveling ... Installation and maintenance of coaxial and DC power/fiber optic transmission lines. * Assist with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Entry Level JobsOptical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Colorado

Optical Engineer Entry Level information

See Colorado salary details

$87.3K

$151K

$177.2K

How much do optical engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer entry level in Colorado is $151,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Engineer Entry Level position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer Entry Level, a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles—usually acquired through a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field—is essential. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is typically expected for hands-on work and simulations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective team communication make candidates stand out in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies are crucial for successfully designing, testing, and refining optical systems used in industries like telecommunications, imaging, and manufacturing.

What is an Optical Engineer Entry Level job?

An Optical Engineer Entry Level job involves designing, testing, and improving optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, under the supervision of senior engineers. Responsibilities may include running simulations, performing laboratory experiments, and assisting in product development. Entry-level optical engineers often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, or manufacturing. Strong analytical skills, a background in physics or engineering, and proficiency with optical design software are essential. This role provides hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth in optical engineering.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level Optical Engineer?

As an entry-level Optical Engineer, you will typically support the design, prototyping, and testing of optical components and systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Your daily tasks may include conducting simulations, preparing reports on experimental results, assembling optical setups in the lab, and troubleshooting equipment. You’ll often collaborate with cross-functional teams that include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to real-world product development, and learn from experienced mentors while laying the groundwork for future advancement in the optical engineering field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Colorado? For Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,009 per year, or $72.6 per hour.
Illumination Engineer Lead

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity Brands

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Acuity Brands rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. 

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. 

Work location:

  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary

The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.

Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:

  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts

  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation

  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis

  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts

  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)

  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends

  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs

  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development

  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts

  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)

  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills

  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please click here and here for more information.  

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search. 

E-Verify Participation Poster

e-verify.gov

eeoc.gov

Apply