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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

As an Optical Systems Engineer , you will assist in designing and building solid-state ... Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance * Analyzes ...

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

As an Optical Systems Engineer , you will assist in designing and building solid-state ... Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance * Analyzes ...

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO

$116K - $152K/yr

Lead the full lifecycle of optical systems, including conceptualization, simulation, detailed ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$116K - $152K/yr

Lead the full lifecycle of optical systems, including conceptualization, simulation, detailed ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/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 ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/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 ...

True Anomaly

Electro-Optical Engineer II

Denver, CO

$95K - $155K/yr

... simulation frameworks QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Imaging Science ... Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable programming language for engineering analysis and ...

True Anomaly

Electro-Optical Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

$95K - $155K/yr

... simulation frameworks QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Imaging Science ... Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable programming language for engineering analysis and ...

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Optical Simulation Engineer information

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 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Optical Systems Engineer

Optical Systems Engineer

Arete

Longmont, CO

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.
Discover your future with us.
As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will assist in designing and building solid-state, semiconductor, fiber laser, and optical systems; modeling and simulating laser and optical performance; planning measurements, diagnostics, and experiments; acquiring laser and optical performance data; analyzing experimental data; validating theories on system performance through measurement and analysis; and conducting research and development related to lasers and electro-optical systems. You will also develop and document diagnostics and processes for laser and optical system evaluation and fabrication, as well as develop component specifications, tolerances, simulations, and test procedures. This is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory position, located in our Niwot, CO office.
Primary responsibilities:
  • Drives technical research for laser and sensor development programs
  • Manage proposals for pursuits of new science and technology business
  • Prepares calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser system performance
  • Analyzes collected experimental data to assess laser system performance
  • Develops laser and optical system specifications
  • Works with manufacturing and engineering staff to support design
  • Assembles, aligns, and tests lasers and optical system systems
  • Documents designs, procedures, and performance
  • Designs optical fixturing and tests to support laser and optical system alignment, construction, and performance verification
  • Inspects optical component and systems
  • Prepares and presents technical briefings
  • Participates in design reviews and maintains documentation of resulting system design
  • Prepares electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments
  • Plans and executes field tests and demonstrations of prototype hardware electro-optical systems and components
  • Supports proposal preparation for new technical work
  • Principal investigator for DoD research and development projects.
  • Submits technical proposals for research and development programs.
  • Additional duties as assigned.
We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:
Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement
  • Fitness Reimbursement
Financial:
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Continuing Education Assistance
Work-Life Balance:
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
What We Value:
  • Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
  • Integrity and responsibility in all actions
  • Collaboration across teams and specialties
  • Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
  • Passion for national security and excellence
Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):
  • Proficient theoretical understanding of laser physics, optics, and design approaches
  • Demonstrated capability in hardware build and test
  • Experience in the execution of DoD funded research and development programs
  • Appreciation of both technical and business constraints for development projectsIntellectual curiosity and desire for continuous learning
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Quickly understands overall project objectives and selects best suited solutions
  • Skilled and innovative problem solver
  • Works well independently and as part of a team
  • Strong work ethic
  • Detail oriented
  • Inquisitive and provides critical review of technical work by peers
  • Responsive to technical questions and review from peers and technical management
  • Comfortable in adapting to support a wide variety of roles to support different types of laser, lidar, and optical system development projects.
  • Proficient use of standard MS Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Proficient in use of standard electrical and optical test equipment operation (e.g. oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, etc.).
  • Proficient in Matlab, Mathematica, Python, or other scientific computing language
  • Possesses basic understanding of optical detectors and radiometry
  • Capable of developing models and simulations of laser dynamics to support optical designs
  • Capable of developing code to process collected sensor data
  • Independently perform research of available literature to fill in knowledge gaps as needed
Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):
  • Remote sensing systems (visible, IR, lidar)
  • Experience with COMSOL, Zemax, Ansys, Solidworks, CREO, or other design software
  • Active security clearance
The salary range for this role depends on the candidate's level of experience:
  • Engineer 2: $95,000 - $120,000 [required BS +2/MS degree or higher]
  • Staff Engineer: $115,000 - $140,000 [experience of BS+2 years, OR MS+0 years]
  • Senior Engineer: $135,000 - $177,000 [experience of BS+5 years, MS+3 years, or PhD+ years]
Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
Other Considerations
Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.
Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.
Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.
Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.PandoLogic. Keywords: Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

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