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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Manager, Electro-Optical Engineering

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires an experienced engineer who can guide and develop teams across all levels of ... Serve as a senior technical authority for system architecture, requirements flow-down, interface ...

nLIGHT

Manager, Electro-Optical Engineering

Longmont, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires an experienced engineer who can guide and develop teams across all levels of ... Serve as a senior technical authority for system architecture, requirements flow-down, interface ...

nLIGHT

Manager, Electro-Optical Engineering

Longmont, CO

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires an experienced engineer who can guide and develop teams across all levels of ... Serve as a senior technical authority for system architecture, requirements flow-down, interface ...

nLIGHT

Manager, Electro-Optical Engineering

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role requires an experienced engineer who can guide and develop teams across all levels of ... Serve as a senior technical authority for system architecture, requirements flow-down, interface ...

Infleqtion

Senior Productization Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$160K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Productization Engineer owns the technical implementation path for turning architected ... Matrix-lead cross-functional engineering contributors across optical, mechanical, electrical ...

Infleqtion

Senior Productization Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$160K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Productization Engineer owns the technical implementation path for turning architected ... Matrix-lead cross-functional engineering contributors across optical, mechanical, electrical ...

Infleqtion

Senior Productization Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$160K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Productization Engineer owns the technical implementation path for turning architected ... Matrix-lead cross-functional engineering contributors across optical, mechanical, electrical ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who We Are nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed ... Willingness to learn, grow technical skills, and take direction from senior staff. Additional ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who We Are nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed ... Willingness to learn, grow technical skills, and take direction from senior staff. Additional ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who We Are nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed ... Willingness to learn, grow technical skills, and take direction from senior staff. Additional ...

Atom Computing, Inc.

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150 - $175/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical ... Work independently and partner with optical engineers and physicists to iteratively design ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who We Are nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed ... Willingness to learn, grow technical skills, and take direction from senior staff. Additional ...

Infleqtion, Inc.

Senior Productization Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$155 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Productization Engineer owns the technical implementation path for turning architected ... Matrix-lead cross-functional engineering contributors across optical, mechanical, electrical ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 8+ years of electro-optical experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Science or related field.
Compensation: $150,000-$190,000 depending on experience.   

Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense.  Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies.  Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification – to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective.  We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.  

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
 
Summary:
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 grow to coordinate execution of multi-disciplinary teams through GitLab-based planning tools.  EO Engineers at our company learn a range of multi-disciplinary tools and techniques from opto-mechanical design and integration methods to software integration to data analysis.  If you want a career progression opportunity from learning disciplined bench procedures, advancing to working as an integrated product team lead and ultimately a technical program manager and delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you.  Our work can be difficult at times, but it is always entertaining, rewarding, and challenging.

All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.  Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.  Please review this information before applying.
Responsibilities:    
  • Design, Development, Integration, and Test for High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon System and/or HEL Beam Control System (BCS). 
  • Responsibilities include hardware integration and test as well as data processing and preparation of performance and test documentation. 
  • Responsible for development of test setups to evaluate performance parameters. 
  • Work with team to execute complex integration activities. 
  • Support field tests.
Required Experience / Capability:     
  • Commitment to Excellence.  Attention to Detail.  Pride in Workmanship.    
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure.
  • Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives.
  • Superior problem-solving ability and ability to absorb information from multiple sources to reach a solution.
  • Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, & mechanics (combination of COTS & custom mechanics & optics). Competence in maintaining cleanliness standards and operation in a clean room environment.
  • Expertise and competence in working with laser and electro-optical systems.
  • Exhibit strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex and constrained opto-mechanical alignment problems (particularly for ruggedized systems) and familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Technical Report Writing (i.e. good technical writing and documentation skills are critical).
  • Expertise and competence in working with high power laser systems.
  • Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and methods. 
  • Integration for real-time control of electro-optical / mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Firmware, and/or C/C++/C# (normally involving code re-use). 
  • Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking. 
  • Experience with MATLAB and/or C/C++/C# is beneficial. 
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems. 
  • Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, in particular for high power applications. 
  • Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.  
Additional Desired Experience / Capability: 
  • Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting and optical and structural adhesive mounting.
  • Familiarity with implementation of electro-optical systems.
  • Experience in optical system alignment and test methods.
  • Experience in Opto-Mechanical Assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, bonding.
  • Experience in thermal management systems.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test and analysis and isolation methods, in particular jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Experience with MATLAB & LabVIEW.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optical (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • Exposure to MIL-STD-810 design and/or testing.
  • Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.
Benefits Summary:  
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year 
  • 11 paid Holidays 
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
  • Tuition Assistance Program 
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents 
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100% 
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting  
  
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at HR@nlightdefense.com.