Sales Engineer - Optics & Photonics

With more than 45 years of experience (founded in 1979), Meadowlark Optics is a trusted leader in the optics and photonics industry. We provide high-performance polarization components and hard-to-find optical solutions through both our standard product catalog and custom design and manufacturing services.  Our products reflect decades-long focus on metrology and engineering expertise.

As an employee-owned company, our people are central to our success. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every team member has a direct stake in the company’s performance and long-term growth. This ownership mindset fosters collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence—when the company succeeds, our employees share in that success. We believe ESOP ownership creates a stronger culture, rewards long-term contributions, and aligns individual impact with company outcomes.

We are seeking a Sales Engineer with a strong technical background in optics and photonics to support and grow our customer base across research, industrial, and commercial markets. This role bridges advanced optical technologies with customer needs, providing technical guidance, application support, and solution-driven sales.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable discussing optical design or system performance as they are building long-term customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical sales resource for customers in optics, photonics, lasers, imaging, and related fields
• Provide early-stage technical feasibility assessments and application guidance prior to formal engineering engagement
• Understand customer applications and translate technical requirements into appropriate product or system solutions
• Present and demonstrate products, including optical components, subsystems, or complete photonic solutions
• Collaborate with engineering, product management, and manufacturing teams to develop customized solutions
• Collaborate with operations and manufacturing to develop accurate pricing, lead times, and delivery commitments
• Prepare quotations, proposals, and technical documentation
• Manage sales opportunities from lead generation through close
• Provide post-sale technical support in coordination with applications and engineering teams
• Maintain strong relationships with existing customers while identifying new business opportunities
• Attend and represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and customer visits
• Maintain accurate opportunity, forecast, and customer interaction data within CRM systems
• Provide market feedback to inform product development and strategy
   

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field
• Solid understanding of optical principles (e.g., imaging, lasers, spectroscopy, fiber optics, interferometry, or optical materials)
• Experience in technical sales, applications engineering, or customer-facing technical roles
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple technical sales opportunities simultaneously
• Ability to independently assess application feasibility and determine appropriate solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, small-team environment
• Willingness to travel as required
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling optical components, photonic systems, or laser-based solutions
• Familiarity with key markets such as life sciences, semiconductor, industrial manufacturing, aerospace/defense, or research institutions
• Experience working with CRM systems for opportunity management and forecasting
• Existing relationships within the optics and photonics community
   

What We Offer

• Competitive salary $65,000 – $100,000 base plus commission or incentive plan
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account.
• Generous PTO package
• Company ownership
• 401(k) plan
   

Since 1979, Meadowlark has provided world-class liquid crystal solutions and polarization optics for various applications, including aerospace, renewable energy, defense, telecommunications, life sciences, and electronics involved in light-based technologies. To ensure precision and top quality, our 20,000 square foot headquarters and manufacturing facility boasts the latest in clean rooms, optical fabrication, metrology equipment, and a breath-taking view of Colorado's Front Range.
Meadowlark Optics is now an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) -- this means you are an owner in the company.