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Head Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Precision Optics Engineering Department Head to lead three teams of engineers focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. This ...

Engineering Department Head

Fairport, NY · On-site

$136K - $187K/yr

We are seeking a Precision Optics Engineering Department Head to lead three teams of engineers focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. This ...

Engineering Department Head

Fairport, NY · On-site

$136K - $187K/yr

We are seeking a Precision Optics Engineering Department Head to lead three teams of engineers focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. This ...

We are seeking a Precision Optics Engineering Department Head to lead three teams of engineers focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. This ...

We are seeking a Manufacturing Department Head to lead three manufacturing operations teams focused ... Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, Science, Business, or related field. * 10+ years in ...

We are seeking a Manufacturing Department Head to lead three manufacturing operations teams focused ... Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, Science, Business, or related field. * 10+ years in ...

We are seeking a Manufacturing Department Head to lead three manufacturing operations teams focused ... Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline, Science, Business, or related field. * 10+ years in ...

Position Summary Reporting to the Head, EM&C, the H/ASIG, is responsible for leading, coaching ... Develop the necessary technological and engineering frameworks and models, and in partnership ...

Engineer

Bergen, NY

$31.26 - $39.07/hr

Engineer will maintain and/or coordinate all building energy management systems to include lighting ... head and able to climb ladders Ability to communicate effectively, (written and verbally) with ...

Engineer

Bergen, NY · On-site

$31.26 - $39.07/hr

... • Engineer will maintain and/or coordinate all building energy management systems to include ... above the head and able to climb ladders • Ability to communicate effectively, (written and ...

Engineer

Bergen, NY

$31.26 - $39.07/hr

Engineer will maintain and/or coordinate all building energy management systems to include lighting ... head and able to climb ladders Ability to communicate effectively, (written and verbally) with ...

Engineer

Bergen, NY · On-site

$31.26 - $39.07/hr

... • Engineer will maintain and/or coordinate all building energy management systems to include ... above the head and able to climb ladders • Ability to communicate effectively, (written and ...

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Head Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$37

$69

How much do head engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for head engineer in Rochester, NY is $37.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.51 and $44.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the main challenges a head engineer faces when leading cross-functional engineering teams?

One of the primary challenges for a Head Engineer is ensuring effective communication and alignment among diverse teams, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance. Balancing technical leadership with management duties—like resource allocation and project prioritization—can also be demanding. Additionally, the Head Engineer must foster collaboration and innovation while maintaining project timelines and meeting business objectives. Addressing these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, project management experience, and typically a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or equivalent). Familiarity with industry-standard software (like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools) and compliance with regulatory frameworks is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding Head Engineers apart by enabling them to guide teams and drive innovation. These skills ensure successful project delivery, safety, and the development of efficient engineering solutions.

What is the difference between Head Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHead EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject management, team leadership, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing

The Head Engineer typically oversees engineering projects, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, requiring leadership skills and experience. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Head Engineer has a broader managerial scope, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on technical tasks within their specialty.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Head Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Head Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,431 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Engineering Department Head

Corning Inc.

Fairport, NY • On-site

$136 - $187/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Corning rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

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.

About us

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.

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:

We are seeking a Precision Optics Engineering Department Head to lead three teams of engineers focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. This role is accountable for delivering stable, capable, and scalable processes that support production commitments, new product introductions (NPI), scrap/rework reduction, and capacity expansion.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the PO engineering teams (Optical Fabrication, Coating, Assembly & Test) consisting of engineering supervisors and process engineers.
  • Lead daily engineering support for production operations and drive resolution for process issues quickly across the PO engineering teams
  • Drive strong accountability, ownership, and empowerment across the PO engineering teams.
  • Own and drive the scrap and rework reduction project portfolio for PO.
  • Develop a balanced and capable engineering team by setting clear expectations, providing coaching and feedback, and developing engineering talent.
  • Champion Engineering Excellence initiatives.
  • Implement Plant Engineering Department strategy across the PO engineering teams.
  • Prepare and present communications to executive and leadership teams, as well as customers.
  • Enable PO product and capacity ramp through process readiness and equipment readiness.
  • Drive the PO engineering teams to improve yield, cycle time, scrap, and throughput.
  • Improve PCPD across the PO engineering teams to strengthen process control, documentation, data analysis, statistical process control, and standard work.
Required Experience and Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with a preference for Mechanical, Optical or Chemical Engineering.
  • 10+ years in manufacturing or process engineering
  • 5+ years of leadership experience
  • Demonstrated problem solving leadership
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity to provide clear direction and next steps
  • Capricorn, PEx, Six Sigma, MEE, and/or KT trained
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with high-complexity manufacturing, optics, or thin film coatings.
  • Experience with NPI and volume ramps
Work Hours:
  • Standard hours (Monday –Friday, 8:00 AM– 5:00 PM)
  • Flexible hours may berequiredto support off-hour and/or weekend operation requirements
Immigration Sponsorship:

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Salary:

The range for this position is$136,243.00-$187,335.00 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.

Benefits:
  • 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.
EEO Statement:

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 ataccommodations@corning.com .

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