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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Senior Optical Engineer - Stray Light

Denver, CO · On-site

$56.75 - $73.25/hr

... simulations, process large datasets, interface to other analysis tools and quantify system-level ... S. degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field. * Experience: 5+ years of ...

Xcimer Energy

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO

$120K - $180K/yr

As an Adaptive Optics Engineer/Scientist , you will apply your skills to design, model, and ... You will play a critical role in developing advanced wave-optics simulation tools, creating and ...

Xcimer Energy

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132.80K - $171.90K/yr

As an Adaptive Optics Engineer/Scientist , you will apply your skills to design, model, and ... You will play a critical role in developing advanced wave-optics simulation tools, creating and ...

Xcimer Energy

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

As an Adaptive Optics Engineer/Scientist , you will apply your skills to design, model, and ... You will play a critical role in developing advanced wave-optics simulation tools, creating and ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$127.50K - $165.10K/yr

... optical system simulation tools. * Represent the GSD Team and GSD Strategic Intent, and ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with optics focus), or ...

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Optical Simulation Engineer information

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

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.

What are the main challenges an Optical Simulation Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is an Optical Simulation Engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Colorado as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
2026 Enterprise Modeling and Simulation Engineer

2026 Enterprise Modeling and Simulation Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Enterprise Effects Division (EED) drives integration of Aerospace's strategic capabilities across the national space enterprise. The divisionleveragesa broad array of engineering disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs, customers, and national challenges. EED spans the capability lifecycle from concept and architecture design to performance assessment to application of space-enabled mission effects.

The Cross-Mission Effectiveness Department (CMED) in the Integrated Performance Subdivision leads integration and application of modeling and simulation capabilities and modern analysis workflows to support end-to-end effects chain analysis and space and space-enabled campaign modeling.As a member ofCMED, you willprovidetechnical capabilities to support our customers in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) of space, air, and ground-based systems of systems to investigate architecture and concept of operations (CONOPS) performance in nominal and contested operating environments. MS&A focus areas include agent-based modeling, red vs blue simulations, militaryutilityand capability drawdown,killchaineffectiveness, enterprise architecture resiliency, and command and control (C2) evaluation. We support a variety of customers with diverse program portfolios, and we are looking for curious and innovative teammates to help us address our customers' hardest problems!

Thisis afull-time, 100%onsite position locatedineitherEl Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, or Chantilly, VA.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Advancing our software solutionsfor modeling and simulation applications

  • Leveraging modern tech stackand enforcing best practices in modern software development and maintainability

  • Assistingin convertingprogrammatic requirements into actionable work

  • Work closely with our cross-missionfocused program offices and customers to translate their program needs into modeling, simulation, and analysis tasks.

  • Develop and present briefings and reports for program offices and customers.

  • Traveloccasionally asrequired.

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements:

  • Masters degree from an accredited program in computer science,electrical engineering, optical engineering,physics,mathematics,or related field(pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

  • 0-1 yr experience

  • Comfortable working with and following a large code base in C++

  • Proficiency with C++, Preferably C++ 20

  • Experience with Python

  • Projects or coursework in modeling and simulation

  • Coursework or project work in at least one of the following:optics, beam control,filtering, multi-in tracking,tasking, mission management, data transport, C2 processes, SIGINT system modeling, kill chain analysis, orbit determination

  • Ability to work both independently and cooperatively within a team and manage multiple simultaneous tasks

  • Demonstrated strong work ethic, self-motivation, and willingness to take initiative

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • A bias for action and the ability toidentifyshortcomings and addressthem with initiative

  • This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina Top Secret/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance.

  • Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if youhaveone or more of these:

  • APhDdegree from an accredited program in computer science,electrical engineering, optical engineering,physics,mathematics,or related field(pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

  • 0-1 yrs experience

  • Proficiencywith the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM).

  • Demonstrated strength in sensor-and architecture-levelsimulationsandmission performance assessments.

  • Knowledge of Intelligence Community, U.S. Department of Defense, and Department of the Air Force business practices and programs.

  • Current Top Secret/SCIClearancewithpolygraph, and special programs access.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$100,000.00 - $140,000.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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