BAE Systems logo

Optical Engineer Senior Optical Hardware

BAE Systems

Boulder, CO · HybridFull-time$97–165K/yrSeen 5 days agoSeen in employer's feed 5 days ago

Most applications go out cold — see where you stand first. No sign-up to start.

Watch jobs like this.

At a glance

Compensation
$97–165K/yr
Location
Boulder, COHybrid
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Security clearance

Job overview

The Optical Engineer will develop optical systems for airborne and space-based applications, working with cross-functional teams on design, integration, alignment, and testing. The role includes hands-on optical hardware work, component procurement and validation, design reviews, and support for proposals and advanced program development. It requires regular on-site work at the primary location and a willingness to obtain a DOW Secret clearance.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Optical EngineeringOptical AlignmentOptical TestingMicrosoft OfficeMatlabOptical Design SoftwareOptical Analysis SoftwareOptical FabricationCommunicationInterpersonal Skills

Qualifications

BS in Engineering or Related Field4+ Years Related Experience3+ Years Optical Hardware ExperienceWillingness to Obtain DOW Secret ClearanceMaster's or PhD in Optical EngineeringCurrent Security Clearance

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Match
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave

Full job description

Job Description

As an optical engineer at BAE Systems, you will play a key role in advancing our technology and developing innovative optical systems for airborne and space-based applications.

The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.

What You ll Do:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, align, integrate, and test state-of-the-art optical systems for science, defense, intelligence, and commercial customers.

  • Work hands-on with optical hardware, performing analytical work, and driving technology development.

  • Procure and validate cutting-edge optical components to support system development.Lead or participate in optical sub-system development, integration, and alignment, working closely with engineers from various disciplines.

  • Participate in design reviews, presenting findings, and providing input to ensure successful project outcomes.

  • Contribute to proposal development, responding to RFIs, and authoring white papers to support advanced program development

  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

  • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.

  • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.

  • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

  • BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related field is required plus 4 or more years related experience.

  • Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Master s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of related experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.

  • 3 years or more of of experience working with optical hardware for space-based or airborne instruments in an industrial setting.

  • Ability and willingness to obtain a DOW Secret clearance (possession of a current clearance is preferred).

  • Solid foundation in optical engineering principles, including optical alignment and testing techniques and equipment.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

#LI-CC2

A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

  • Advanced degree in Optical Engineering (Master's or PhD).

  • Experience with programming tools such as Matlab and optical design/analysis software.

  • Knowledge of optical fabrication technology to support procurement of optics.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $97008 - $164914

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Optical Engineer Senior Optical Hardware

131633BR

EEO Career Site Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities . females . veterans . individuals with disabilities . sexual orientation . gender identity . gender expression

How this job compares

Set against the 2,909 open Hardware Engineer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 27, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$97–165K/yr
  • Colorado median$125–175K/yr111 salary ranges
  • US median$132–201K/yr2,134 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $131K, is 14% below the Colorado median midpoint ($152K) — in the middle half of Hardware Engineer salary ranges in Colorado.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 125 open Hardware Engineer jobs in Colorado and 2,909 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Colorado
Experience
This posting asks for at least 4 years of experience; Hardware Engineer postings that state a minimum ask for 5 years at the median (2,448 postings).
Education
1,857 of the 2,909 open Hardware Engineer jobs (64%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 27, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

Similar jobs, posted recently

Open roles like this one, listed in the last 30 days.

You've read the whole posting — now see how you match it.