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Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical ... Work hands-on with optical hardware, performing analytical work, and driving technology development.

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$115K - $196K/yr

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical ... Work hands-on with optical hardware, performing analytical work, and driving technology development.

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Optical Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$87.3K

$151K

$177.2K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer 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 is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is an optical engineer?

An optical engineer designs, develops, and tests systems and devices that utilize light, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. They often work with optical materials, use simulation software, and require knowledge of physics and engineering principles to improve optical performance and functionality.

What Does an Optical Engineer Do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

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

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced optical engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or advanced research can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, management responsibilities, or significant expertise in optical systems and laser technologies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

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 field requires strong knowledge of optics, photonics, and related tools, and job growth is driven by advancements in technology and increasing reliance on optical components.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
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 jobs in Colorado? For Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in CO? For Optical Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $151,009 per year, or $72.6 per hour.
Electro-Optical Engineer - Senior Staff

Electro-Optical Engineer - Senior Staff

Lockheed Martin

Littleton, CO

$109K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Senior Staff Electro-Optical Engineer to join the Optical Payload Center of Excellence.
OPCoE enables new frontiers in visible-light and infrared systems, missile defense, space exploration and much more. Our members integrate authorities across the nation, within Lockheed Martin, our industry partners and leading research universities, into one fast-acting, collaborative group.
You will be successful in this role if you have deep knowledge troubleshooting, possess critical thinking skills and the ability to work on cross-functional teams. You should also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
As a Senior Staff Electro-Optical Engineer your typical roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Reviewing design requirements
Creating block diagrams
Creating schematics
Creating circuit card assembly (CCA)
Working with procurement on all the parts of the bill of materials (BOM)
Supporting manufacturing of the CCA
Performing test checkout of the CCA by creating test plans and performing board tests
Supporting program box integration
Supporting the program lifecycle, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR, and launch, specifically for optical payload or component builds.
Supporting he design of Electronic and Special Test Equipment (STE) for laser systems.
Developing and refining design standards and processes.
Training and mentoring junior engineers.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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