Internship Graduate Materials Science Jobs in Rochester, NY

If you're looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you've found it. Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.
With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.
Job Description
This role is a B-Shift/2nd Shift Opening with hours of 2:00pm-10:30pm
ITAR/EAR CRITERIA:
Certain positions with IDEX Corporation and its business units require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been granted refugee or asylum status.
Who is Materials Science Solutions (MSS)?
IDEX Materials Science Solutions (MSS) is a business platform within IDEX Corporation that brings together a portfolio of industry-leading companies specializing in advanced materials, precision manufacturing, optics, coatings, ceramics, and engineered components. Serving customers in the semiconductor, space and defense, and precision forming industries, IDEX MSS partners with OEMs to solve complex engineering challenges through innovative materials science expertise and coordinated global support. From concept development and prototyping to high-volume production, the organization delivers high-performance, mission-critical solutions that enable customers to advance cutting-edge technologies and achieve reliable, scalable results
About the role:
The Optical Assembly Technician 1 performs foundational optical manufacturing operations in support of optical and optomechanical assemblies. This role focuses on part preparation, cleaning, inspection, incoming measurement, and non-precision optical assembly tasks, where optical positioning is governed by machined features rather than active alignment. Work is performed in a controlled clean-room manufacturing environment following established procedures and quality standards to ensure parts and assemblies are clean, conforming, and ready for precision optical operations.
Key Responsibilities:

• Clean metal, glass, and optical components using approved solvents, wipes, ultrasonic systems, and defined cleaning methods.
• Follow contamination-control and handling practices appropriate for clean-room manufacturing.
• Prepare components for downstream assembly operations, inspection, or packaging.
• Perform incoming and in-process measurements on machined metal parts and optical elements to verify compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Measure features including lens center thickness, diameter, wedge, edge dimensions, housing bores, depths, and mechanical interfaces.
• Use standard measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, height gauges, and basic optical metrology tools.
• Document inspection results and identify nonconforming material in accordance with quality procedures.
• Assemble optical components into housings where alignment is passively controlled by machined features.
• Apply and cure adhesives for securing optics according to defined processes.
• Perform basic mechanical assembly tasks including fastening, fixturing, and handling of subassemblies.
• Verify assembly completeness and workmanship prior to release.
• Follow work instructions, travelers, and standard operating procedures.
• Record build and inspection data to maintain product traceability.
• Communicate unclear instructions, discrepancies, or quality concerns to supervisors or engineering.
• Maintain an organized work area that supports precision optical manufacturing.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a manufacturing, assembly, inspection, or technician role.
• Experience handling optical components or precision-machined parts preferred.
• Experience working in regulated or high-quality manufacturing environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to read basic mechanical drawings and follow written assembly instructions.
• Familiarity with hand tools, adhesives, and standard inspection equipment.
• Basic understanding of optical components such as lenses, windows, and filters.
• Understanding of contamination-control principles in clean-room environments.
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Ability to accurately document work and inspection results.
• Ability to identify quality issues and escalate them appropriately.
• Ability to work dependably within established procedures and team structures.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a clean-room manufacturing environment.
• Requires compliance with defined gowning and contamination-control protocols.
• Involves handling small, delicate optical and precision-machined components.
• Requires sustained visual focus and fine motor control.
• May involve extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Requires compliance with ESD and chemical-handling safety requirements.

IDEX Materials Science Solutions, a Unit of IDEX Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?
Total Rewards
The compensation range for this position is $33,300.00 - $49,900.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.
Benefits Package
Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/
IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at lfcareers@idexcorp.com for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.