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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Infleqtion

Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Boulder, CO · On-site

$133K - $173K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex ...

Infleqtion

Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Boulder, CO · On-site

$133K - $173K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex ...

Infleqtion

Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Louisville, CO · On-site

$134K - $174K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex ...

Infleqtion

Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Boulder, CO · On-site

$133K - $173K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex ...

Infleqtion

Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Louisville, CO · On-site

$134K - $174K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex ...

Xcimer Energy

Senior Optical Engineer - Stray Light

Denver, CO

$160K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Stray Light Optical Engineer , you will be the primary technical authority on non-sequential ray tracing and stray light mitigation. Your work will focus on modeling and designing complex ...

Xcimer Energy

Senior Optical Engineer - Stray Light

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Stray Light Optical Engineer , you will be the primary technical authority on non-sequential ray tracing and stray light mitigation. Your work will focus on modeling and designing complex ...

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 ...

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

$160 - $200/hr

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

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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

As an optical engineer at BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS), you will play a key role in advancing our technology and developing innovative optical systems for airborne and space-based ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$62.6K

$133.1K

$193K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Colorado is $133,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSenior Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptical product companies, research institutions, manufacturing

Senior Optical Engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities, including leading projects and mentoring. Optical Engineers focus on designing and testing optical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and scope of work.

Are senior optical engineers in high demand?

Senior optical engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in designing, testing, and optimizing optical components and systems is critical, and strong skills in optics, photonics, and related software increase employability across various high-tech sectors.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a senior optical engineer within multidisciplinary teams?

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop and integrate optical systems into larger products. This role often involves working closely with project managers to align technical requirements and timelines, as well as coordinating with manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes are feasible and scalable. Effective cross-functional communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key, as you may also contribute to design reviews and mentor junior engineers. These collaborations not only support project success but also provide valuable exposure to diverse technical perspectives, fostering ongoing professional growth.

What does a senior optical engineer do?

A Senior Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often work on projects involving fiber optics, sensors, and advanced photonics technologies. Senior Optical Engineers lead technical teams, troubleshoot complex optical issues, and collaborate with other engineers to integrate optical solutions into larger systems. Their expertise is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Optical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of optics, physics, and optical system design, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field and several years of industry experience. Expertise with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and familiarity with relevant standards and certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set top candidates apart, especially when leading teams or interfacing with clients. These skills ensure the development of innovative, precise optical solutions that meet technical and business objectives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado?

For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:

Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,077 per year, or $64 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly. 

Job Responsibilities
  • Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
  • Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements.
  • Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
  • Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
  • Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 5-8+ years optical design experience
  • 4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
  • Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
  • Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently.
  • High attention-to-detail and accuracy
  • Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
  • Excellent communication, listening and people skills

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company. 

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.