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 excellencewhen 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 seekingaSales Engineerwith a strong technical background inoptics andphotonicsto support and grow our customer base across research,industrial, and commercial markets. This role bridges advanced opticaltechnologies with customer needs, providing technical guidance, applicationsupport, 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 atechnical sales resourcefor 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) inOptical 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.
