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Optical Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

The Senior Optical Project Engineer will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable ...

SAIC

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

The Senior Optical Project Engineer will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable ...

SAIC

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$132K - $171K/yr

The Senior Optical Project Engineer will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable ...

True Anomaly

Electro-Optical Engineer II

Denver, CO

$95K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Fusion Energy Base

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190 - $220/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Leads the Optical Engineering department responsible for the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state‑of‑the‑art UV laser optical systems for laser‑driven inertial fusion.

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven ...

Xcimer Energy Inc.

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190 - $220/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state‑of‑the‑art UV laser optical systems for ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven ...

Ring Inc

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190 - $220/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state‑of‑the‑art UV laser optical systems for ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven ...

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer - 888

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements, and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical system design and ...

Quantinuum

Optical R&D Manager - 818

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an Optical R&D Manager in our Broomfield, CO Location. All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. Key ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Optical information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Highlands Ranch, CO is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining optical devices such as lenses and glasses. The profession typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional employment rates.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

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

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

What is a career in optics?

A career in optics involves working with the science and technology of light, including designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools, and may work in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.
More about Optical jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,805 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

SAIC

Denver, CO • On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a senior Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer to join the Space and Intelligence Business Group. You would work on a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) crown jewel program providing highly specialized space/counter-space engineering, scientific, and analytical services from Aurora/Denver, Colorado. We support the Nation's leading-edge IC and DoD space programs and offer compelling, deep-technical work that has direct influence and impact on program development and operations. Our team has Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across a variety of disciplines, including physics, math, RF, optics, space acquisition and operations, and intelligence collection and analysis.
The Senior Optical Project Engineer will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S. Government civilians and contractors solving applied technical problems and developing usable solutions for multiple space-related capabilities and threats.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience with the performance of:
  • Ground or space-based optical or laser systems, the fields of photonics or optoelectronics, space object optical characterization, or optical data processing techniques.
  • Optical systems in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) applications.
  • Conduct projects focused on program-specific analysis, foreign threat capabilities and development, and phenomenology research.
  • Have experience generating new satellite models or adapting existing mission partner models for on-orbit simulation scenarios.
  • Be fluent with the synthesis and application of space object optical/electro-optical (EO) signatures.
  • Create/understand EO sensor models, lighting and environmental effects to simulate the space object detection, feature discrimination, and/or characterization by SDA systems.
  • Be able to design, develop, and quantify results for satellite simulations that accurately represent the system state and have familiarity with post-processing techniques of optical sensor data that extract additional insights or translate the data into operationally relevant information.
  • Possess knowledge of optical systems and their use in SDA.
  • Have experience with modeling and simulation of optical and laser systems such as LEEDR, HardShell or Helios.
  • Be motivated by problem solving and developing a range of solutions, over system development.
  • This position qualifies for enhanced benefits.
Duties and responsibilities include:
  • Perform program-specific analyses, understand foreign threat capabilities and development, and conduct optical and laser phenomenology research.
  • Perform rapid prototyping of optical modeling and simulation tools of various fidelities.
  • Design and edit satellite models and optical simulations to inform analyses and trade studies related to operational scenarios.
  • Develop estimates of space object optical signatures using physics-based methods or via similarity to existing data.
  • Develop and refine innovative concepts for space laser systems and architectures, knowledge of advanced engineering principles and state-of-the-art technology.[DO1.1].
  • Create system Concept of Operations (CONOPS), considering operational trade-offs, environmental effects, and mission requirements.
  • Conduct detailed assessments and analysis of space laser system performance, focusing on rigorous link budget modeling, system efficiencies, and platform-specific trade-offs.[DO2.1].
  • Ability to conduct link budget analysis, considering various system and operational parameters. Evaluate the impacts of different modulation techniques, and photonics technologies on overall system performance.
  • Simulate SDA data of space objects that represent the sensor system's spatial, spectral, and other capabilities under representative seeing conditions.
  • Quantify impacts and sensitivity to changes in CONOPS, scenarios and/or threats.
  • Develop and brief analytical results for stand-alone and broader assessment products.
  • Achieve detailed understanding of multiple satellite systems, designs, operations, and classifications in order to make design or CONOPS recommendations.
  • Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of U.S. and Foreign SDA optical capabilities.
  • Frequently interact with program managers, SETAs, FFRDCs and external stakeholders.
  • Develop productive relationships with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontract counterparts, functional IC or DoD counterparts, and other SMEs.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Optics, Planetary Science, Astronomy, Pphysics, Engineering, or Math, or related field and 14 or more years 14 or more with a Masters, 9 or more with a PhD) of direct experience.
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance with Special Access eligibility and consent to a Counter Intelligence (CI) polygraph. US Citizenship is required
  • Experience with ground or space-based optical or laser systems, the fields of photonics or optoelectronics, space object optical characterization or data processing techniques.
  • Understanding material properties, and component characteristics to determine performance, susceptibilities, and operational reliability.
  • Experience with project or task technical leadership.
  • Experience with JIRA project management tool and familiarity with Agile concepts.
  • Understanding of fundamentals of astrodynamics and space systems.
  • Knowledge of space system acquisitions or space technology developments.
  • Demonstrated record of effective individual and group work behaviors, with abilities to proactively initiate and operate in dynamic and incompletely defined environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience conveying technical concepts, results, and summaries to internal customers, external customers, and stakeholders of diverse technical backgrounds.
Strongly Desired Skills:
  • Master's degree in Optics, Planetary science, Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, Math, or related field Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics.
  • Familiarity or experience with optical systems in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) applications.
  • Working knowledge of laser propagation, atm atmospheric scattering, and laser communication modulation formats and techniques.
  • Experience with optical communications and space hardware testing including development of testbeds, ground support test equipment, test programs and management of test program execution for lasercom, component, units, subsystems or systems.
  • Familiarity with National Security Space architecture (IC and/or DoD).
  • Familiarity with US Intelligence Community IC resources and products.
  • Fluent in specialized software tools or scripting languages relevant for space systems, such as MATLAB, Python, C++, or Zemax and MODTRAN.
  • Experience modeling optical systems in STK.
  • Previous experience with laser communications hardware and systems.
  • Experience performing atmospheric transmission modelling.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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