ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $150,000 ... Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management. Additional ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$150K - $190K/yr

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $150,000 ... Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management. Additional ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field. Compensation: $150,000 ... Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management. Additional ...

Infleqtion

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$155 - $185/hr

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 4 years of ... modeling, fiber coupling, apodization, point‑spread‑function analysis ...

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

... fiber coupling efficiency. * Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software and control engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of optical subsystems into spacecraft or ground-based ...

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

... fiber coupling efficiency. * Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software and control engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of optical subsystems into spacecraft or ground-based ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection

Viasat, Inc.

DWDM Optical Network Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

$149K - $224K/yr

Experience with use of fiber network design, planning and mapping software tools such as Nokia ... Engineering to design complex optical networks * Applying your 5 years relevant work experience ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Fiber Engineer JobsOptical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$87.3K

$151K

$177.2K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber 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 does an optical fiber engineer do?

An Optical Fiber Engineer specializes in the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic communication systems. They work on laying fiber optic cables, configuring optical network equipment, and ensuring optimal data transmission over long distances. Optical Fiber Engineers are essential for supporting high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data connectivity in various industries. Their responsibilities also include testing fiber connections, maintaining network reliability, and adhering to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical fiber engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Fiber Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fiber optic theory, network design, and installation practices, often backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like OTDRs, splicing machines, CAD software, and certifications such as FOA CFOT are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help engineers excel in troubleshooting and project coordination. These skills ensure reliable, high-performance network installations and maintenance, which are critical for modern communications infrastructure.

What are some common challenges optical fiber engineers face during large-scale network deployments?

Optical Fiber Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating difficult terrain for cable installation, and ensuring minimal signal loss over long distances. They must also manage tight project timelines and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role frequently involves troubleshooting issues in collaboration with field technicians, project managers, and network planners.

What is the difference between Optical Fiber Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Fiber EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, or related field; certifications like FOA or Cisco CCNAHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as FOA Fiber Optic Technician
Work EnvironmentDesign, plan, and oversee fiber optic installations; office and fieldworkInstall, maintain, and repair fiber optic networks; primarily fieldwork
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, data centersTelecom companies, ISPs, network service providers

While both roles involve working with fiber optics, Optical Fiber Engineers focus on designing and planning fiber optic systems, whereas Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the fiber optics industry.

Are optical fiber engineers in high demand?

Optical fiber engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and the need for high-speed data transmission. They typically require specialized skills in fiber optic installation, testing, and maintenance, and job opportunities are expected to grow as demand for faster internet and 5G networks increases.

How much do optical fiber engineers get paid?

Optical fiber engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

How much does an optical fiber engineer make?

The average salary for an optical fiber engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:

Optical Fiber Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,009 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 8+ years of electro-optical experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field.
Compensation: $150,000-$190,000 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:
Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to grow to coordinate execution of multi-disciplinary teams through GitLab-based planning tools. EO Engineers at our company learn a range of multi-disciplinary tools and techniques from opto-mechanical design and integration methods to software integration to data analysis. If you want a career progression opportunity from learning disciplined bench procedures, advancing to working as an integrated product team lead and ultimately a technical program manager and delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you. Our work can be difficult at times, but it is always entertaining, rewarding, and challenging.
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, Development, Integration, and Test for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon System and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS).
  • Responsibilities include hardware integration and test as well as data processing and preparation of performance and test documentation.
  • Responsible for development of test setups to evaluate performance parameters.
  • Work with team to execute complex integration activities.
  • Support field tests.

Required Experience / Capability:
  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure.
  • Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives.
  • Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution.
  • Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, & mechanics (combination of COTS & custom mechanics & optics). Competence in maintaining cleanliness standards and operation in a clean room environment.
  • Expertise and competence in working with laser and electro-optical systems.
  • Exhibit strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex and constrained opto-mechanical alignment problems (particularly for ruggedized systems) and familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Technical Report Writing (i.e. good technical writing and documentation skills are critical).
  • Expertise and competence in working with high power laser systems.
  • Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and methods.
  • Integration for real-time control of electro-optical / mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Firmware, and/or C/C++/C# (normally involving code re-use).
  • Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking.
  • Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++/C# is beneficial.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems.
  • Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high power applications.
  • Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.

Additional Desired Experience / Capability:
  • Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting and optical and structural adhesive mounting.
  • Familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Experience in optical system alignment and test methods.
  • Experience in Opto-Mechanical Assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, bonding.
  • Experience in thermal management systems.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test and analysis and isolation methods, in particular jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Experience with MATLAB & LabVIEW.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing.
  • Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.

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 IllegalIf you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]

Apply