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Photonics Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

OMEGA, Inc.

Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer

Niwot, CO · On-site

$140 - $175/hr

Research and evaluate emerging photonics and detector technologies to guide R&D direction. * Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research staff.

IonQ Inc.

Senior Mask Layout Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience * Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and techniques * Excellent ...

IonQ Inc.

Senior Mask Layout Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience * Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and techniques * Excellent ...

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 ... Ground or space-based optical or laser systems, the fields of photonics or optoelectronics, space ...

Saic

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$160 - $200/hr

Ground or space-based optical or laser systems, the fields of photonics or optoelectronics, space ... engineering principles and state-of-the-art technology.[DO1.1] * Create system Concept of ...

Thorlabs

Applications Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$93.90 - $108/hr

The Applications Engineer II role exists to translate customer needs and market insights into well ... Experience in a photonics laboratory environment (essential) * Experience building optical and ...

Thorlabs

Applications Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$93K/yr

... photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 ... The Applications Engineer II role exists to translate customer needs and market insights into well ...

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All JobsPhotonics Engineer JobsPhotonics Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Photonics Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$46.3K

$111.9K

$182.4K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer in Colorado is $111,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $139,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photonics engineer?

As a photonics engineer, you work with photo energy and technology to create new products and improve existing goods, such as barcode scanners, lasers, and fiber optics. Research and development are your primary responsibilities, but your other job duties include creating design plans for product innovations, testing and revising prototypes, determining solutions for existing issues, and seeking cost-effective alternatives for current technology. You need strong scientific and mathematical reasoning along with computer skills to perform well as a photonics engineer.

What does a photonics engineer do?

A Photonics Engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light (photons), such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. They work on applications in telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and defense. Their responsibilities may include researching new photonic materials, improving optical communication systems, and creating innovative technologies that use light for sensing or processing information. Photonics engineers often collaborate with other engineers and scientists to bring advanced optical solutions to a wide range of industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laser systems, and laboratory instrumentation, as well as relevant certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative photonic devices and systems that meet complex technical requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are some typical collaborative projects a photonics engineer might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Photonics Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and materials scientists on projects such as designing optical communication systems, developing laser-based medical devices, or optimizing imaging technologies. These projects require integrating photonic components with electronic circuitry and software algorithms, making teamwork and cross-disciplinary communication essential. Regular meetings, prototype testing, and troubleshooting sessions are common, providing opportunities to learn from experts in related fields while ensuring that photonic solutions meet broader system requirements.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in photonics are a plusBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, tech companies focusing on laser, fiber optics, and photonic devicesResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense sectors working with optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies developing laser systems, fiber optics, photonic sensors, and integrated photonic circuitsOrganizations involved in optical communication, imaging systems, and optical component design

Photonics Engineers and Optical Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating on optical systems. However, Photonics Engineers typically focus more on the development and application of photonic devices and systems, while Optical Engineers may concentrate more on optical system design and integration. Both roles are vital in industries like telecommunications, defense, and research.

Are photonics engineers in demand?

Photonics engineers are in high demand due to the growing use of optical communication, laser systems, and photonic devices in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job prospects, especially for those with skills in optical design, fiber optics, and relevant certifications, as employment opportunities continue to expand with technological advancements.

How much does a photonics engineer make?

Photonics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-tech industries or research environments.
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Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,867 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer for Photonics and Optical Metrology - 832

Quantinuum

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer for Photonics and Optical Metrology in our Broomfield, CO location.
Our team is developing optics and integrated photonics technologies that will enable scaling of our trapped-ion quantum computers from our current 98-qubit Helios system to our future 1,000,000-qubit Lumos system (Quantinuum system roadmap link). The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next-generation systems, including Apollo and Lumos, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Apply mechanical design tools, such OnShape and Ansys, to support development of prototype and production hardware for optical metrology setups
  • Design, model, and develop the mechanical systems for optical metrology to characterize advanced optical, micro-optic, and integrated photonic devices and systems
  • Maintain thorough, version-controlled CAD models and BOMs.
  • Partner with lab validation & integration teams to build and test prototype assemblies.
  • Collaborate and work witha diverse cross-disciplinary team, includingphotonics scientists, optical engineers, opto-mechanical engineers, machinists, atomic physicists, mechanical engineers, and fabrication experts to validate integrated photonic andtrapped-ion technologies
  • Contribute to design and trade studies and analyses.
  • Communicate design proposals and results through design reviews, documentation, and presentations.
  • Work in a research lab environment to collect and analyze data on system and device performance.

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree minimum
  • Minimum 3 years' experience (degree inclusive) in CAD systems, such as Onshape
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, optics, or related field
  • 5+ years' experience in scientific research and development or engineering roles
  • Experience with FEA (modal, structural, and thermal)
  • Experience in a hands-on environment, especially with free-space optics, imaging systems, motion control
  • Experience with control systems for data collection, signal processing, and analysis.
  • Experience with scientific coding and data analysis and familiarity with software tools like MATLAB, Python, etc
  • Experience with revision and release control
  • Experience with user interfaces and the automation of assembly and test processes
  • Experience in creating drawings and assembly processes for optical systems
  • Exposure to optical design and simulation, such as Zemax
  • Interest in learning more about optics, photonics, and quantum technology

$89,000 - $112,000 a year
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company's quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum's over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.
By joining Quantinuum, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.
What's in it for you?
A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work
Flexible work schedule
Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit
Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time
Paid parental leave
Employee discounts
Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.
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. We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

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