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Optical Laboratory Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120 - $145/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree a plus * 3-5+ years optical design experience * 2+ years of hands‑on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment Qualifications * Experience with Fourier Optics, flat ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$120K - $145K/yr

Advanced degree a plus * 3-5+ years optical design experience * 2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment Qualifications * Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$120K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree a plus * 3-5+ years optical design experience * 2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment Qualifications * Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree a plus * 3-5+ years optical design experience * 2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment Qualifications * Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field ...

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer II - 894

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$102K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong knowledge of optical and electrical laboratory equipment, including lasers, fiber optic components, acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, precision optical instrumentation, spectrum ...

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer II - 894

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$102K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong knowledge of optical and electrical laboratory equipment, including lasers, fiber optic components, acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, precision optical instrumentation, spectrum ...

Atom Computing, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160 - $185/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Advanced degree a plus * 10+ years optical design experience * 7+ years of hands‑on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment * Experience bringing a complex optical system from ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote ... Knowledge of optical fabrication technology to support procurement of optics from 3 mm to meter ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

As an optical engineer at BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS), you will play a key role in ... Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote ... Experience with optical coating. * Experience with thin film design. * Solid interpersonal skills ...

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All JobsOptical Laboratory JobsOptical Laboratory Jobs in Colorado

Optical Laboratory information

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How much do optical laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical laboratory in Colorado is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Laboratory vs Optician?

AspectOptical LaboratoryOptician
CredentialsMay require certifications in lab work or optical technologyOften requires state licensing or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, working with lenses and equipmentRetail or clinical setting, interacting with customers
Job FocusFabricating and assembling lenses and optical componentsFitting, adjusting, and dispensing eyewear to patients
Industry UsageManufacturing and production of optical productsCustomer service and eyewear sales

While both roles are essential in the optical industry, an Optical Laboratory primarily focuses on fabricating lenses and optical components in a lab setting, whereas an Optician interacts directly with customers to fit and dispense eyewear. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the optical field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in an optical laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in an Optical Laboratory often encounter challenges such as maintaining high precision in lens fabrication, managing a fast-paced workflow with tight deadlines, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Effective communication with team members and attention to detail are crucial for minimizing errors during the lens grinding, coating, and fitting processes. Regular training, organization, and the use of updated technology can help address these challenges and contribute to a productive and error-free work environment.

What is an optical laboratory?

An optical laboratory is a specialized facility where eyeglass lenses and other optical devices are created, customized, and assembled according to prescriptions from eye care professionals. Technicians in optical labs use advanced equipment to cut, grind, polish, and fit lenses into eyeglass frames, ensuring that each pair meets the precise vision needs of the customer. Optical labs may also produce contact lenses, safety glasses, and specialty optics for various industries. The work in an optical laboratory requires attention to detail and knowledge of optical materials and technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an optical laboratory role?

To thrive in an Optical Laboratory role, you need a solid understanding of optics, precision measurement, and lens fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with lens edging machines, lensometers, and laboratory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the accurate production of optical products and maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Laboratory jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Optical Laboratory jobs in Colorado are:

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

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

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

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

Optical Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Laboratory job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,686 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Staff Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Infleqtion

Boulder, CO • On-site

$133K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

At Infleqtion we solve the world's most challenging problems using cutting-edge quantum technology. Our mission is to commercialize atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. We are proud to work tirelessly to create and lead the quantum ecosystem towards meaningful advancements today and set the technology roadmap for tomorrow.
POSITION SUMMARY
Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to provide deep technical contribution and subsystem-level leadership in advanced optical systems for neutral-atom quantum computing.
The successful candidate will independently own complex optical subsystems, working closely with physicists and cross-disciplinary engineering teams to translate experimental requirements into robust, high-performance optical designs. This role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, with responsibility for driving designs from research-grade implementations toward reliable, scalable hardware solutions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Typically, you will be entrusted with:
  • Leading the design, modeling, and validation of complex optical and laser-based subsystems supporting neutral-atom quantum computing platforms.
  • Developing and integrating scalable atom addressing and control technologies. This includes but is not limited to digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architectures.
  • Designing and implementing (at a subsystem level) atom-resolved detection and feedback systems using state-of-the-art sensors such as SPAD/EMCCD/sCMOS cameras, and high-speed photodetectors, with consideration for scaling readout bandwidth, latency, and data throughput.
  • Collaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to support the full experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from early research demonstrations to integrated, scalable systems.
  • Leading hands-on laboratory efforts, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systems.
  • Developing and maintaining high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirements.
  • Defining and executing experimental strategies to characterize optical stability, drift, noise sources, and scaling limits, and using those results to inform design tradeoffs.
  • Leading the transition within a defined architecture of optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware suitable for larger atom counts.
  • Providing technical guidance, and mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews, hands-on coaching, and identifying professional development opportunities.
  • Establishing and improving best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version control.
  • Supporting technical troubleshooting and cross-functional design reviews as needed to resolve complex system-level issues.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience. A Master's degree or PhD are preferred and may be counted towards experience requirement.
  • Strong experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based, atomic, or quantum optics systems.
  • Hands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical system design and tolerance analysis.
  • Working knowledge of SolidWorks sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and interfaces.
  • Experience using git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis tools.
  • Experience mentoring or technically leading engineers in a research or hardware-focused environment.

WE HIGHLY VALUE:
  • Background in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics research environments.
  • Experience working with stability-sensitive optical systems subject to thermal, vibrational, or long-term drift effects.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bridge physics and engineering perspectives.
  • A hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and technical accountability.
  • Positive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineers.

NOTE
  • Job responsibilities and requirements are illustrative, other responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
  • This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

TRAVEL
Up to 10% travel may be required.
WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.
Benefits
  • Salary range: $175,000 to $220,000 per year
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
  • Employer-funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 401(k) match
  • Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Equity Package

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:
Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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