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Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Corning

Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

Corning

Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

Corning

Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

Corning

Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is ... Role Purpose Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly ...

NY Creates

Process Development Engineer (Photonics)

Rochester, NY · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AIM Photonics is one of nine United States Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation ... Minimum Qualifications, Process Development Engineer (Photonics) Bachelor's degree in mechanical ...

Safran

Engineering Technician - Manufacturing

Rochester, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is ... Assembly at the component level including cables, mechanical assemblies, etc. * Testing of products ...

Corning

Facilities Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contractor Management - work with and manage external contractors to maintain and install ... Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering / Engineering Technology or similar * 3+ years of ...

Corning

Facilities Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contractor Management - work with and manage external contractors to maintain and install ... Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering / Engineering Technology or similar * 3+ years of ...

Corning

Facilities Engineer

Fairport, NY

$81K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contractor Management - work with and manage external contractors to maintain and install ... Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering / Engineering Technology or similar * 3+ years of ...

Arkema

Reliability Engineer Job

Geneseo, NY · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Manages plant mechanical integrity program to ensure compliance with Arkema and regulatory ... of contracted repair organizations, and inspection of repair work. Manages assigned capitol ...

Arkema

Reliability Engineer Job

Geneseo, NY

$87K - $116K/yr

Manages plant mechanical integrity program to ensure compliance with Arkema and regulatory ... contracted repair organizations, and inspection of repair work. • Manages assigned capitol ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer JobsDefense Contractor Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$44.9K

$101.5K

$164.3K

How much do defense contractor mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense contractor mechanical engineer in Rochester, NY is $101,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineers working as defense contractors?

Mechanical engineers in defense contracting often face the challenge of adhering to strict regulatory standards and security protocols, which can add complexity to the design and manufacturing process. Additionally, projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and may involve rapidly adapting to evolving project requirements driven by client needs or new technological developments. Managing tight deadlines while ensuring compliance with military specifications is also a frequent aspect of the role. These challenges are balanced by the opportunity to work on innovative, mission-critical systems and to gain experience with cutting-edge technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor mechanical engineer?

To excel as a Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of defense-specific standards and certifications like ITAR compliance are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills are critical for collaborating on complex defense projects. These competencies ensure the engineer can design reliable, compliant systems that meet stringent defense requirements and function under high-stakes conditions.

What is the difference between Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer vs Defense Industry Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDefense Contractor Mechanical EngineerDefense Industry Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearanceBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, possibly security clearance
Work EnvironmentContractor offices, military facilities, project sitesDefense manufacturing plants, military facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily employed by defense contractors serving military clientsEmployed directly by defense agencies or manufacturers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require similar credentials and often involve working in secure environments. The main difference is that Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineers are employed by private firms providing services to defense clients, while Defense Industry Mechanical Engineers work directly within defense agencies or manufacturing companies. The roles overlap in skills and work settings, but their employment context distinguishes them.

What does a defense contractor mechanical engineer do?

A Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical systems for military and defense applications. Their work may involve creating components for vehicles, weapons, or support equipment used by armed forces. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure these systems meet strict safety, reliability, and performance standards. Additionally, they must adhere to government regulations and security protocols while handling sensitive information. Their role is critical in advancing defense technologies and maintaining national security.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Contractor Mechanical Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $101,507 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Opto-Mechanical Process Engineer

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 76673
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices.
Role Purpose
Corning is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Process Development Engineer to support assembly design and prototyping for the Corning Rochester Technology Center, Advanced Optics facility In Rochester, New York. This is an onsite role supporting a standard daytime schedule, with some flexibility needed during peak project phases and less than 10% travel.
You'll bring new optical products and manufacturing processes from development into production. Here, you will work across product design engineering, development, and operations, to design and build practical, scalable opto-mechanical manufacturing solutions that support both prototype and production needs. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, building practical process solutions, and collaborating across functions to improve product quality, readiness, and scalability.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop new opto-mechanical manufacturing processes and production capabilities for precision optical products
  • Partner with product development and manufacturing teams to align product design with process readiness
  • Design or specify tools, fixtures, equipment, and test methods needed for new manufacturing capabilities
  • Lead prototype and pilot builds to support quality, delivery, and manufacturing readiness goals
  • Create clear manufacturing documentation, including process flows, work instructions, and checklists
  • Train manufacturing personnel on new processes, equipment, and assembly methods
  • Solve mechanical and process challenges related to precision optical assembly and manufacturing scale-up

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related engineering field
  • 3+ years of engineering experience, ideally in optics or precision manufacturing
  • Experience with opto-mechanical assembly, fixture design, or precision assembly processes
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with limited supervision

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with close-tolerance optical or mechanical assembly in a cleanroom environment
  • Familiarity with metrology tools such as interferometers, profilometers, or autocollimators
  • Experience with 3D CAD software such as Creo
  • Background transferring products from development into manufacturing

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $84,932.00 - $116,782.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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