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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Brighton, CO

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 ...

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light ...

Acuity, Inc.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light ...

Attalon, Inc.

Principal Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100.50 - $178/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... optical testing and verification methods. * Experience with Government Modeling and Simulation ...

Attalon, Inc.

Principal Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $178K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... simulation experience in radiometry, beam propagation, and electro-optics. Responsibilities

Anduril Industries

Lead Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB As the Lead Hardware Engineer for our ladar product line, you will be responsible for ... simulation, and optical test equipment. * Supply Chain and Operations: Familiarity with supply ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Brighton, CO

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Brighton, CO salary details

$88.9K

$153.9K

$180.5K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Brighton, CO is $153,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,200.00 and $178,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Brighton, CO are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Brighton, CO with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:

Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you

Electro-Optical Engineer II

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

$95K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
True Anomaly is seeking a motivated and technically curious Electro-Optical Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and characterization of advanced imaging and sensing payloads for our spacecraft programs. In this role, you will support optical system development across the full hardware lifecycle - from performance modeling and specification development through bench-level testing and hardware characterization - working alongside experienced engineers on a team that ships hardware to space. You bring solid fundamentals in optics, imaging science, or physics, a hands-on mindset, and the eagerness to grow your skills in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design, model, and analyze imaging systems for space-based payload applications, from concept through fielding
  • Develop and maintain end-to-end imaging system performance models, including radiometric, signal chain, and image quality analyses
  • Support and execute hardware characterization and metrology activities, including bench-level testing of optical assemblies, detectors, and sensors
  • Author and maintain optical and imaging system specifications, interface requirements, and test plans
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure imaging system requirements are properly flowed down and verified
  • Support design reviews, presenting optical system performance analyses and test results to internal and customer audiences
  • Identify and track imaging system performance risks, driving analysis and mitigation efforts in coordination with the broader Payloads team
  • Contribute to the development of ground support equipment and test infrastructure for optical payload characterization
  • Apply programming skills (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent) to develop and maintain analysis tools, data reduction pipelines, and simulation frameworks

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field (Master's preferred)
  • 2-4 years of professional experience in optical systems engineering, imaging system development, or a related technical role
  • Demonstrated experience with optical system modeling, analysis, or characterization
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or a comparable programming language for engineering analysis and data processing
  • Strong fundamentals in optics, radiometry, and imaging physics with the ability to engage credibly across multi-discipline hardware teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with radiometric budgeting and end-to-end signal chain performance analysis for imaging systems
  • Experience working on space applications, including space-based imaging or remote sensing payloads
  • Hands-on experience with imaging system metrology, including optical bench testing, detector characterization, and image quality measurement
  • Familiarity with stray light analysis, wavefront error budgeting, or optical tolerance analysis tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, FRED, CODE V)
  • Familiarity with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems
  • Experience with image processing algorithms and pipeline development
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $95,000 - $155,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work Location-this role will be onsite at our Centennial, CO location.
  • Work environment-the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
  • Physical demands-the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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