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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection

Xcimer Energy

Laser and Optics Controller

Denver, CO

$44 - $52/hr

As an Laser and Optics Controller for Phoenix, you will apply your technical and operational skills to operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the laser and optical components in a ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser and Optics Controller

Denver, CO · On-site

$44 - $52/hr

As an Laser and Optics Controller for Phoenix, you will apply your technical and operational skills to operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the laser and optical components in a ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser and Optics Controller

Denver, CO

$44 - $52/hr

As an Laser and Optics Controller for Phoenix, you will apply your technical and operational skills to operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the laser and optical components in a ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Additionally, you will assist optics engineers with aligning complex laser beam paths, calibrating laser diagnostics equipment, identifying opportunities to improve current diagnostics, writing ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

Additionally, you will assist optics engineers with aligning complex laser beam paths, calibrating laser diagnostics equipment, identifying opportunities to improve current diagnostics, writing ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Additionally, you will assist optics engineers with aligning complex laser beam paths, calibrating laser diagnostics equipment, identifying opportunities to improve current diagnostics, writing ...

Xcimer Energy

Laser Physicist

Denver, CO

$140K - $190K/yr

Additionally, you will assist optics engineers with aligning complex laser beam paths, calibrating laser diagnostics equipment, identifying opportunities to improve current diagnostics, writing ...

Xcimer Energy

Director of Laser Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$220K - $260K/yr

As the Director of Laser Engineering , you will lead the development, scaling, and ... Partner cross-functionally with optics engineering, optomechanical engineering, pulsed power ...

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Trainee Laser Optics Engineer information

What does a trainee laser optics engineer do?

A Trainee Laser Optics Engineer assists in the design, testing, and maintenance of optical systems that use lasers for various applications, such as communications, manufacturing, or medical devices. They support senior engineers in assembling and aligning optical components, conducting experiments, and troubleshooting issues related to laser performance. Trainees also learn about safety protocols, calibration procedures, and data analysis, gaining hands-on experience with sophisticated equipment. This role is ideal for individuals with a strong background in physics or engineering who are interested in specializing in optics and photonics.

What types of projects and technologies will I typically work with as a trainee laser optics engineer?

As a Trainee Laser Optics Engineer, you will often be involved in hands-on assembly, alignment, and testing of optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and laser systems. You'll gain experience using precision equipment in cleanroom or laboratory environments, collaborating closely with senior engineers, scientists, and production teams. Your daily tasks may include assisting in the setup and calibration of laser systems, documenting test results, and troubleshooting optical setups. This role offers excellent opportunities to learn about cutting-edge photonics technologies and contributes to a collaborative team atmosphere that supports your professional development.

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

To thrive as a Trainee Laser Optics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics or engineering, particularly in optics and photonics, typically backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with optical design software, laboratory instrumentation, and laser safety certifications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precise experimentation, safe operation, and successful collaboration on complex optical systems.

What is the difference between Trainee Laser Optics Engineer vs Laser Optics Technician?

AspectTrainee Laser Optics EngineerLaser Optics Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in optical engineering or physicsVocational training or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, and engineering teamsManufacturing floors, maintenance, and assembly areas
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, high-tech companies, and aerospace firmsLaser manufacturing, medical device companies, and industrial facilities

The main difference is that Trainee Laser Optics Engineers focus on designing and developing laser optical systems, often in a learning or entry-level capacity, while Laser Optics Technicians handle the assembly, maintenance, and troubleshooting of existing laser systems. Both roles require knowledge of optics, but the engineer role emphasizes design and innovation, whereas the technician role emphasizes hands-on technical skills.

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

The most popular types of Laser Optics Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

Trainee Laser Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Laser Optics 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, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Principal Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO • On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 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.

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on-site at our Boulder, CO facility 4-5 days per week.

Job Responsibilities
  • Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
  • Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
  • Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
  • Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
  • Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
  • Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
  • Generate new intellectual property and inventions
  • Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
  • External speaking and/or customer engagements
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
  • 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
  • 10+ years optical design experience
  • 7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
  • Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
Qualifications
  • Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
  • Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
  • Deep experience and knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
  • Experience with high-power lasers and optical design toward high-power systems.
  • Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
  • Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site

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 $160,000-185,000, 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.
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