ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Full Time Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Vuzix

Optical Waveguide Engineer

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description About Us: Founded in 1997, Vuzix (NASDAQ: VUZI) is a growing ... Develop and implement new test methods and procedures to support research, development, quality ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology ... The range for this position is $84,932.00 - $116,782.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology ... The range for this position is $84,932.00 - $116,782.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Essential FunctionsLead process improvement and R&D projects coordinating with engineering and Quality control.Perform visual optical inspection for surface quality.Review job card (router) for ...

Corning

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical ... The range for this position is $112,902.00 - $155,240.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Lead process improvement and R&D projects coordinating with engineering and Quality control. * Perform visual optical inspection for surface quality. * Review job card (router) for completeness and ...

Corning

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY

$112K - $155K/yr

This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical ... The range for this position is $112,902.00 - $155,240.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

... performing optical systems * Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to ... The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay ...

Https://www.sydor.com/

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

Lead process improvement and R&D projects coordinating with engineering and Quality control. * Perform visual optical inspection for surface quality. * Review job card (router) for completeness and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Research Engineer JobsFull Time Optical Research Engineer JobsFull Time Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Full Time Optical Research Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do full time optical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time optical research engineer in Rochester, NY is $141,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectFull Time Optical Research EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsDesign, develop, and test optical systems in industry settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles, innovation projectsProduct development, system integration, manufacturing

Full Time Optical Research Engineers focus on advancing optical technologies through research and experimentation, often working in labs or academic settings. Optical Systems Engineers apply optical principles to develop practical systems and products in industry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Research Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Optical Research Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Optical Research Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,696 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Optical Waveguide Engineer

Vuzix

West Henrietta, NY • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About Us: Founded in 1997, Vuzix (NASDAQ: VUZI) is a growing, dynamic company that specializes in the design, manufacturing and sale of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise and consumer markets. Company products include wearable displays and computing devices that offer portable, high-quality viewing experience for applications in augmented reality, digital information, utility, and entertainment.
Position Summary: The ideal candidate is an energetic, self-motivated professional with strong leadership skills who will oversee the characterization and test lab. This role will maintain and document existing tests while developing new procedures to support Quality Assurance, Research and Development, and Production. The candidate will collaborate with customers and vendors, analyze and communicate test results, and work with systems including displays, projectors, optical subsystems, waveguides, and other imaging technologies. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential for success in this multidisciplinary role.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Characterize and test micro-displays, projector systems, optical subsystems, and complete near-eye systems.
  • Develop and implement new test methods and procedures to support research, development, quality assurance, and production needs.
  • Create and maintain detailed test documentation, procedures, and organized test data records.
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to establish and calibrate incoming inspection procedures and in-process validation methods.
  • Identify, procure, set up, and maintain appropriate test and measurement equipment.
  • Analyze and interpret test results, identify issues, and independently develop corrective actions for product and process concerns.
  • Provide senior-level optical engineering expertise and technical guidance on optical testing and characterization.
  • Communicate with vendors, customers, and internal management as a technical expert on optical testing and characterization.
  • Conduct technical reviews to ensure appropriate procedures and methods are followed and provide value-added feedback to the design team.
  • Support the successful transition and implementation of test methods and procedures into full-scale production.
  • Ensure projects meet established schedule, financial, and technical performance objectives.
  • Meets required ISO 9001:2015 standards and necessary training based on the relevant Quality Objectives.

Competencies:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Written Communication - Read and interpret written information effectively, write clearly and concisely, adapt writing style for different audiences.
Verbal Communication - Give focused attention to what others are saying, take time to understand what and respond when appropriate without interrupting, speak clearly and effectively express ideas and opinions, adapt and react professionally in both positive and negative situations.
Teamwork & Collaboration - Balance team and individual responsibilities, consider others' views objectively and with openness to changing your own, give and encourage feedback, contribute to a positive team dynamic, prioritize team success over personal interests, work effectively across departments toward company goals.
Professionalism - Interact with others in a considerate manner, follow through on commitments, react well under pressure and preserve confidentiality, control emotions, and accept responsibility, maintain focus on solutions and treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
Motivation & Initiative - Demonstrate persistence and ability to adapt to changes in daily workflow, overcome obstacles, request and provide help as needed, and work independently. Volunteer readily and look for ways to improve and create successful outcomes, positively contributes to overall work environment.
Respect & Integrity - Treat people with respect, work ethically and with honesty and integrity, inspire the trust of others, demonstrate appreciation and sensitivity for cultural differences, help promote inclusion and understanding of the value of diversity, embrace differences and support a harassment-free environment.
Requirements
Experience Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or equivalent. Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of detailed experience working in a research or product design environment.
  • Strong organizational, time management, leadership skills, and the ability to successfully manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
  • Familiarity with a variety of optical test equipment.
  • Familiarity with optical measurement techniques.
  • Must be able to demonstrate out-of-box thinking for unique problem solving.
  • Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax.
  • Programming experience preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Travel: Negligible.
Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, speak, hear, see, and perform repetitive motion (data entry). Occasionally required to lift or carry (10 lb. minimum). Reasonable accommodation will be made available if applicable.
Vuzix Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to recruiting and employing the best talent available.
Salary Description
$120,000.00 - $160,000.00

Apply