Top 35 Optical engineer Jobs in Boulder County Co

Senior Optical Engineer
Assn of Univ for Res in Astronomy, Inc. —Boulder, CO
- $134,000 - $169,000 a year
- 7 years
- Office
- Analysis skills
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
2d
Senior Optical Engineer
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy —Boulder, CO
- $134,000 - $169,000 a year
- Full-time
- 7 years
- Office
- Analysis skills
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
2d
Manufacturing Principal Engineer – Optical
BAE Systems Inc. —Boulder, CO
- $118,095 - $200,762 a year
- Full-time
- Bachelor of Science
- Master's degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
7d
Principal Optical Hardware Engineer
BAE Systems Inc. —Boulder, CO
- $118,095 - $200,762 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Bachelor of Science
- Engineering
- Office
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)
Infleqtion —Boulder, CO
- $130,000 - $155,000 a year
- Full-time
- System design
- Mid-level
- Assembly
- Paid parental leave
- Health savings account
Quick Apply
2d
Optical Engineer
Atom Computing —Boulder, CO
- $120,000 - $145,000 a year
- Full-time
- Laboratory experience
- Mid-level
- Bachelor's degree
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
Quick Apply
Principal Optical Engineer
Atom Computing —Boulder, CO
- $160,000 - $185,000 a year
- Full-time
- 7 years
- Laboratory experience
- Analysis skills
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
Quick Apply
Enterprise Optical Engineer
Advanced Thin Films, Inc. —Longmont, CO
- $124,000 - $186,000 a year
- Online Application
- Data analysis skills
- 3 years
- Master's degree
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Lead Optical Payload Engineer
General Atomics —Longmont, CO
- $105,890 - $189,545 a year
- Extended hours
- 7 years
- Engineering
- System design
- Relocation assistance
Senior Optical Engineer
Atom Computing —Boulder, CO
- $150,000 - $175,000 a year
- Full-time
- Laboratory experience
- Bachelor's degree
- Senior level
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
Quick Apply
Engineer Senior Principal - Optical - Focal Plane Systems
BAE Systems Inc. —Boulder, CO
- $132,962 - $226,035 a year
- Full-time
- Customer service
- Bachelor of Science
- Engineering
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
Senior Optical Engineer
BAE Systems Inc. —Broomfield, CO
- $97,008 - $164,914 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Bachelor of Science
- Office
- Analysis skills
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
Principal Optical Engineer - Airborne Payloads
BAE Systems Inc. —Westminster, CO
- $118,095 - $200,762 a year
- Full-time
- Hybrid work
- Bachelor of Science
- Engineering
- System design
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
Staff Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)
Infleqtion —Boulder, CO
- $175,000 - $220,000 a year
- Full-time
- 6 years
- Research
- Office
- Paid parental leave
- Health savings account
Quick Apply
Senior EO/IR Optical Engineer - Level V
Arcfield —Louisville, CO
- $149,675.71 - $260,257.02 a year
- Full-time
- Remote
- Computer Science
- System design
- Analysis skills
- Paid holidays
- Disability insurance
Optical Network Engineer, Google Global Infrastructure
Google —Thornton, CO
- $126,000 - $180,000 a year
- Full-time
- Computer science
- Computer Science
- Mid-level
9d
Mechanical Engineer for Photonics and Optical Metrology - 832
Quantinuum —Broomfield, CO
- $89,000 - $112,000 a year
- Full-time
- Pass drug screening
- Mid-level
- 3 years
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays
Staff Electro-Optical Engineer
nLIGHT —Longmont, CO
- $130,000 - $170,000 a year
- Full-time
- 5 years
- Analysis skills
- Team management
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Paid holidays
Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)
Infleqtion —Boulder, CO
- $155,000 - $185,000 a year
- Full-time
- Research
- Analysis skills
- Bachelor's degree
- Paid parental leave
- Health savings account
Quick Apply
Optical Payload Engineer
Tomorrow.io —Golden, CO
- $150,000 - $180,000 a year
- Data analysis skills
- Senior level
- 4 years
- Relocation assistance
- Health insurance
Quick Apply
5d

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optical engineer jobs near boulder county co

Senior Optical Engineer

Assn of Univ for Res in Astronomy, Inc. -
Boulder, CO

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Job Details

$134,000 - $169,000 a year
2 days ago

Benefits

Paid time off
Retirement plan

Qualifications

Project development phase management
Project engineering
Optics
System design for system development
Bachelor's degree
Design engineering
Systems analysis
Test validation method
Project stakeholder communication
Cross-functional communication
Validation design

Full Job Description

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG plays a central role in shaping the optical performance of the National Solar Observatory’s Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This international initiative is currently in the design phase and will modernize NSO’s global network of ground-based solar observatories, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance solar physics and space weather research.

As ngGONG moves through critical design milestones, strong optical leadership is essential. The Senior Optical Engineer leads the design, analysis, and integration of telescope and instrument optical systems, ensuring they meet demanding scientific requirements while remaining manufacturable, alignable, and cost-effective. This role directly influences the scientific capability, reliability, and long-term success of the observatory as it transitions from design into construction and commissioning.

This position supports the currently funded design phase of ngGONG and is expected to continue into subsequent construction phases pending standard NSF project approvals.

This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.

What You’ll Do

Requirements Development and Documentation

Write optical Design Requirements Documents (DRDs) for telescope and instrument assemblies, subsystems, in collaboration with the engineering team.
Develop optical interface requirements for telescope and instrument systems.
Maintain optical specifications and drawings for components in accordance with ISO 10110 standards.
Identify and manage technical risks related to optical systems.
Assist in translating science requirements into technical optical specifications.
Work closely with Mechanical Engineering to develop mounts, alignment, tolerancing, and calibration strategies.

Optical System Layout, Design, Specifications, and Analysis

Layout, design, model, and analyze complete optical systems for telescope and instrument assemblies and subsystems.
Conduct wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis to optimize system performance.
Create detailed tolerancing studies and alignment procedures.

Vendor and Contractor Assessment

Serve as the technical point of contact for optical component vendors.
Develop optical system alignment, commissioning, and verification & validation test plans.
Prepare specifications and statements of work for optical fabrication and coating contracts.
Evaluate vendor capabilities and ROM quotes.

Design Reviews and Presentations

Lead optical system sections of Conceptual Design Review (CoDR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
Prepare technical presentations and documentation for project meetings and reviews.
Support planning and cost estimation for optical design completion and construction of optical systems and subsystems.

Core Competencies

Optical System Design and Analysis
Wavefront Error Budgeting and Stray Light Analysis
Tolerancing and Alignment Procedures
Technical Project Management
Requirements Development and Documentation
Vendor and Contractor Technical Oversight
Design Reviews, Planning, and Presentation Skills
Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Why NSO?

At the National Solar Observatory, you’ll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology, enhance scientific discovery, and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged, varied perspectives are valued, and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society. Here, you will have the opportunity to grow your career, lead innovative outreach programs, and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field required.
Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant experience in optical system design, analysis, and engineering project management.
Proven experience designing complex optical systems for telescopes or scientific instruments.
Strong analytical skills, including wavefront error budgeting and stray light analysis.
Experience with optical tolerancing, alignment procedures, and verification/validation planning.
Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
Proficiency in optical modeling and design software, such as SolidWorks and Zemax.

Preferred

An advanced degree in Optical Engineering or a relevant field is an asset.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $134,000 – $169,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ (https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/)

About NSO and AURA

The National Solar Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of leading universities and research institutions committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation, providing scientific leadership, operational excellence, and a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking research. As part of AURA, NSO benefits from shared resources and a community dedicated to innovation, transparency, and public service, ensuring its work has broad and lasting impact.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in providing high-level engineering support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the world’s premier observatories, we encourage you to apply. Applications received by February 12, 2026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: Lastname_Docname.pdf.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here (https://aurahr.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/34)

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply Now

Refine Your Search

optical engineer jobs in boulder county co

Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Manufacturing Principal Engineer – Optical

Principal Optical Hardware Engineer

Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer

Enterprise Optical Engineer

Lead Optical Payload Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Engineer Senior Principal - Optical - Focal Plane Systems

Senior Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer - Airborne Payloads

Staff Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Senior EO/IR Optical Engineer - Level V

Optical Network Engineer, Google Global Infrastructure

Mechanical Engineer for Photonics and Optical Metrology - 832

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Optical Payload Engineer

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