Optical Systems Engineer

• Role: Optical Systems Engineer
• Location: Boulder, Colorado, United States
• Job Type: Full-Time, On-site, Exempt, Non-supervisory
• Payout: Engineer 2: $95,000-$120,000 (BS plus 2 years or a master’s degree or higher)

Role Overview:

We are seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to design, build, model, test, and evaluate laser and electro-optical systems. This role supports technical research, prototype development, field demonstrations, and optical system performance validation in a fast-paced research and development environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and build solid-state, semiconductor, fiber-laser, and optical systems.
• Create calculations, models, and simulations to predict laser-system performance.
• Plan measurements, diagnostics, experiments, and field tests; acquire and analyze laser and optical performance data.
• Develop system specifications, component tolerances, diagnostics, fabrication processes, simulations, and test procedures.
• Assemble, align, inspect, and test lasers, optical components, and system assemblies.
• Develop optical fixturing and tests for alignment, construction, and performance verification.
• Document designs, procedures, performance results, and design-review outcomes.
• Prepare electrical and optical hardware for demonstrations and experiments, and present technical briefings.
• Support technical proposals and serve as a principal investigator for research and development projects when assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong theoretical understanding of laser physics, optics, and optical design approaches.
• Demonstrated hardware build-and-test capability and experience with technical research and development programs.
• Experience with standard electrical and optical test equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, laser sources, spectrometers, and detectors.
• Proficiency in scientific-computing tools and programming languages used for modeling and analysis.
• Working knowledge of optical detectors, radiometry, technical literature research, and office-productivity tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, solve technical problems, review peer work, and adapt across laser, lidar, and optical-development projects.
• Remote sensing, solid-state laser development, optical design software, and structural-thermal-optical performance experience are preferred.
• Experience executing government-funded defense research and development programs.

More About the Opportunity:

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and long-term disability insurance; vision and fitness reimbursement; an employer-funded 5% retirement-plan contribution and an employer-funded 5% employee-ownership-plan contribution; continuing education assistance; flexible scheduling; paid time off; and paid parental and bereavement leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We hire based on skills and expertise. All qualified candidates are welcome regardless of background, experience, or prior employment history. Applications are reviewed solely on demonstrated technical ability and qualifications.

Apply Now!