ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

We are seeking a Focal Plane Packaging Engineer to help create the "eyes" of the next generation of space payloads by developing and building state-of-the-art electro-optical (EO) focal plane ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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.

Optical Engineer, Design & Architecture

Anduril Industries

Boulder, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Anduril Imaging team develops state-of-the-art imaging systems across both hardware and software, deployed to tackle the most significant security challenges of America and its allies. The team is heavily involved in utilizing computer vision, perception, electro-optical, infrared, and sensor data to give our war fighters and allies an advantage.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Imaging team is seeking an Optical Engineer to focus on design and architecture in support of an expanding and maturing product line at a transition point from prototyping to maturity.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead architecture decisions, optical trades for novel optical systems for broadly defined missions
  • Design lenses and optical components for high performance imaging systems
  • Understand and define optical performance requirements given multi-disciplinary engineering constraints
  • Transition a high TRL prototype optical assembly to a production fieldable system.
  • Design and tolerance complex visible to infrared optical systems to meet performance requirements for ground & airborne applications
  • Develop and review test setups, procedures, and data to transition products and systems from R&D to production
  • Evaluate and analyze prototype and production optical system performance errors to determine root cause
  • Work independently and collaborate with senior staff and leadership to solve interdisciplinary technical problems by serving as the Optical Engineering subject matter expert
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS in Engineering or Physics/Astronomy required with a concentration in Optics
  • MS or PhD preferred, but not required
  • 5+ years of experience with complex opto-mechanical systems, performing optical system design, analysis, alignment and test in the workforce
  • Experience building LIDAR, laser communications, or adaptive optics systems, with a strong understanding of pointing, acquisition, and tracking.
  • Expertise with optical design and analysis software, preferably Zemax or CodeV
  • Experience with STOP (Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance) analysis
  • Knowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methods
  • Experience with the design of diffraction limited imaging systems in dynamic environments
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated first principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problems
  • Optical component testing experience (spectral transmission, interferometry, etc.), optical system alignment and testing (EE, MTF, PSF, etc.), and opto-electrical system modeling
  • Demonstrated experience in the integration, test, and performance requirements verification and validation of optical systems
  • Experience with radiometry and stray light analysis
  • Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff
  • Knowledge of common materials used in optical systems and limitations of fabrication methods of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Anduril Industries Jobs

Apply