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Optics Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 implement high-performance adaptive optics systems for next-generation laser technology. You will play a ...

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 implement high-performance adaptive optics systems for next-generation laser technology. You will play a ...

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 implement high-performance adaptive optics systems for next-generation laser technology. You will play a ...

AURA

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $169K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG plays a central role in shaping the optical performance of the National Solar Observatory's Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$120K - $145K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging

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 ... Guide development of active beam control systems including adaptive optics, beam stabilization, and ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

... optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment * Experience bringing a complex optical ... the engineering team's capabilities * Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing ...

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All JobsOptics Engineer JobsOptics Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Optics Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$87.3K

$151K

$177.2K

How much do optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics engineer in Colorado is $151,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,600.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Optics Engineers face when working on interdisciplinary teams?

Optics Engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, and software development. A common challenge is ensuring that optical specifications align with mechanical constraints and electronic system requirements, which may require frequent communication and compromise. Misunderstandings can arise due to differences in terminology or priorities, so effective cross-disciplinary communication is essential. Additionally, balancing project timelines and integrating feedback from various stakeholders can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Optics Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptics EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; often requires experience in design and analysisAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field; focuses on assembly and testing
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing floors, testing labs, assembly lines
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, research institutionsManufacturers, optical labs, repair facilities

Optics Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring advanced education and analytical skills. Optical Technicians primarily handle assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

What does an Optics Engineer do?

An Optics Engineer designs, tests, and improves devices and systems that use light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They apply principles of physics and engineering to develop technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. Their work involves research, computer modeling, prototyping, and working closely with other engineers to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of optical systems.

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

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure precise optical system design, innovation, and successful project execution in industries like telecommunications, defense, and medical devices.
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What job categories do people searching Optics Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optics Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optics Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Optics Engineer job openings:
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Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,009 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supportedby leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change.Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion! 
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.
 
As an Adaptive Optics Engineer/Scientist, you will apply your skills to design, model, and implement high-performance adaptive optics systems for next-generation laser technology. You will play a critical role in developing advanced wave-optics simulation tools, creating and optimizing control algorithms, and supporting the integration and operation of adaptive optics hardware on high-energy laser platforms. Your work will directly contribute to improving beam quality, stability, and system performance, enabling the delivery of unprecedented laser capabilities for IFE. We are looking for our engineers and scientists to apply their technical expertise, problem solving skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact the future of energy! 
Responsibilities
  • Develop new optimization routines for the adaptive optics loop. 
  • Coordination and close collaboration with vendors to develop and drive the 'next generation' of AO platforms for Xcimer's needs with a focus around deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors. 
  • Coordination and close collaboration with vendors to develop and drive the 'next generation' of AO platforms for Xcimer's needs with a focus around deformable mirrors and wavefront sensors.
  • Assist in aligning, calibrating, and running adaptive optics hardware on a laser system. 
  • Assist in characterizing and understanding the optical environment to set requirements for an adaptive optics system.
  • Leverage and improve wave-optics propagation code to model the laser systems. 
Qualifications
  • Education: B.S. degree in optical science/engineering, or related field. 
  • Experience: 5+ years of optical science/engineering experience directly related to adaptive optics systems. 
  • Experience working with multi-disciplinary engineering fields including optical, opto-mechanical, software, and controls systems. 
  • Experience in developing adaptive optics systems using best practices and optimization methods using wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors. 
  • Experience in high fidelity physical wave-optics propagation in the near and far fields. 
  • Experience in optical subsystem integration and alignment. 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Desired
  • M.S. or Ph.D. degree in optical engineering/science, or related field. 
  • 10+ years of optical science/engineering experience directly related to adaptive optics. 
  • Experience in characterizing turbulence in beam paths and developing Fourier based wave optics models for beam propagation. 
  • Experience in the design of adaptive optics coupled with beam pointing stabilization systems. 
  • Experience in high energy optical systems working in the deep UV. 
  • Experience in defining and setting adaptive optics-based requirements from system to component level. 
$120,000 - $180,000 a year
Candidates may be considered for other positions at Xcimer Energy, and our actual base salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The range is published in accordance with Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and California Equal Pay Act.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Xcimer Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Xcimer Energy hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Xcimer Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here and here.
 
Benefits
Xcimer offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave for employees at the time of birth or adoption; and a 401(k) with a company match of up to 6%. Eligible employees also receive equity, allowing them to share in the company's long-term success.
Xcimer operates under a flexible Paid Time Off (ATO) approach. Rather than a fixed number of vacation days, employees are trusted to take the time they need to rest and recharge while meeting the expectations of their role and team. In addition, employees receive paid sick time, 13 company-paid holidays, and an annual paid company shutdown. Benefits are available to regular employees, including part-time and fixed-term roles, as well as interns, with eligibility varying by benefit.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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