Optical Engines

Optical Engines is looking for a Senior Fiber Laser Engineer to support the development of Directed Energy and NewSpace products at the Colorado Springs, CO facility. The integration engineer will be primarily responsible for the building and testing of high power fiber laser systems, working with a team of engineers and technicians on a variety of technical tasks in a cutting-edge R&D environment. This is a hands‑on position, with work being done mostly in a laboratory/clean room, putting together optical test setups to execute critical measurements on schedule.

On-site
Full time

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate complex optical equipment and measurement apparatus
• Inspect and evaluate laser system components
• Build and characterize high power fiber laser systems
• Work in an R&D team environment to meet the needs of the target application
• Manage procurement and logistics of high-value, sensitive parts and equipment
• Occasional travel to customer sites to support integration of deployed laser systems

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. or advanced degree in Engineering or Physics
• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• Hands‑on skills with multidisciplinary knowledge of optics, mechanics, and electronics
• Knowledge of laboratory protocol and equipment (oscilloscopes, power meters, optical sensors, thermal sensors)
• Detail‑oriented and accountable with a need for continuous improvement
• Ability to learn new technologies
• Ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team yet function independently
• Adaptable to support a wide variety of laser systems and projects

Desired Skills

• Understanding of optics, lasers, optical fiber, etc.
• Familiarity with optical fiber laser architecture
• Experience cleaving and splicing optical fiber
• Experience working with and handling optical components
• Experience working in an R&D environment on Directed Energy and NewSpace programs
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to analyze data and report findings (Excel, PowerPoint)
• $45 – $60 per hour (Equivalent to $93,600 – $124,800 anually)
• Generous PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

About OEI

Optical Engines is an engineering firm specializing in photonic devices for the commercial, industrial, space, and defense sectors, located right in Old Colorado City in Colorado Springs, CO, just a few minutes from Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. In 2005, Optical Engines was founded with a vision to become the destination for ambitious engineers to see how far they could push fiber and photonic technologies. Since then, we have continued to grow and work tirelessly to demonstrate what we can do for our customers. We are a solution-focused company in an industry with no limit on the potential or impact. That provides us with the unique opportunity to both set the standards and then surpass them. Most of all, it allows us to connect with people who are as passionate as we are.

Mechanical Engineer

Optical Engines is looking for a Mechanical Engineer who can bridge the gap between complex laser physics and rugged, manufacturable hardware.

The Role: This is not a “desk‑only” job. You will be responsible for the mechanical architecture of high‑power fiber lasers and photonic systems. You will work in our machine shop to prototype quickly and collaborate with our Assembly and Quality teams to ensure all designs meet our AS9100D standards.

Reports to: Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

Key Responsibilities:

• Opto‑Mechanical Design: Design precision housings, thermal management systems (heatsinks/chilled plates), and fiber management components using CAD software.
• Thermal Analysis: Perform thermal and structural simulations to ensure stable laser performance across varying environmental conditions.
• DFM (Design for Manufacturing): Work directly with the in‑house Machine Shop to optimize parts for CNC milling and turning, reducing lead times for custom projects.
• Risk Management: Participate in the Product Design Review process, utilizing a Risk Assessment Matrix to identify and mitigate mechanical failure points.
• AS9100D Compliance: Maintain rigorous documentation, material traceability, and revision control in accordance with our quality management system.
• 3D Printing: Process and run custom printed parts for a wide variety of components.

Qualifications:

• Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience: 3–7 years in a high‑tech manufacturing environment (Photonics, Aerospace, or Defense preferred).
• Citizenship : Must be a US citizen.
• Software: Expert‑level proficiency in SolidWorks or similar; experience with thermal simulation (FEA) is a major plus. Experience with Onshape is highly valued.
• Materials Knowledge: Deep understanding of aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and thermal interface materials.
• Hands‑on Skills: Ability to use basic metrology tools (calipers, height gauges) along mills, lathes, and CNC machining processes.
• Hourly Rate: $40.00 – $50.00 per hour (Equivalent to $83,200 – $104,000 annually).
• Work‑Life Balance: 4 weeks (20 days) of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year.
• Retirement: 401k plan with company matching.
• Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Environment: Cross functional work between production and R&D situations.

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While based in beautiful Colorado Springs, we have worked with customers on a global scale, while also able to offer more direct support and services across the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Turkey, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Israel, and India.