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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Develop and implement new test methods and procedures to support research, development, quality ... Provide senior-level optical engineering expertise and technical guidance on optical testing and ...

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 ...

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 ...

... performing optical systems * Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to ... Mentor junior engineers and technicians Minimum Qualifications & Skills * Bachelor's degree in ...

... performing optical systems * Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to ... Mentor junior engineers and technicians Minimum Qualifications & Skills * Bachelor's degree in ...

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 ...

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Internship Optical Research Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$2.1K

$6.4K

$7.7K

How much do internship optical research engineer jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average monthly pay for internship optical research engineer in Rochester, NY is $6,353.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,358.33 and $7,566.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Research Scientist?

AspectInternship Optical Research EngineerOptical Research Scientist
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree (BSc, MSc)Advanced degree (MSc, PhD) often required
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, research labs, industry settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in experiments, data collection, supporting research projectsDesigning experiments, analyzing data, publishing research

The main difference is that an Internship Optical Research Engineer is an entry-level, temporary position aimed at gaining experience, while an Optical Research Scientist is a more advanced, often permanent role focused on conducting independent research and contributing to scientific knowledge.

What types of projects can an internship optical research engineer expect to work on, and how is mentorship typically structured?

As an Internship Optical Research Engineer, you will likely support ongoing research and development projects involving optical systems, such as laser design, imaging, or sensor technology. Interns often assist with optical simulations, data analysis, prototyping, and laboratory experiments. Mentorship is typically provided by senior engineers or scientists who guide your technical growth through regular check-ins, collaborative problem-solving, and feedback on your work. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world optical engineering challenges within a collaborative team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship optical research engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Optical Research Engineer, you typically need a solid background in physics or engineering, with coursework or experience in optics and photonics. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is often expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for accurately designing, testing, and reporting on optical systems and for collaborating within research teams.

What does an internship optical research engineer do?

An Internship Optical Research Engineer assists in the development and testing of optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work under the guidance of senior engineers and researchers to conduct experiments, analyze data, and help improve optical technologies. Interns in this role often use specialized software, perform laboratory work, and contribute to research documentation. This position provides valuable hands-on experience in the field of optics and prepares students for careers in optical engineering or related industries.
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:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

Optical Waveguide Engineer

Vuzix Corporation

West Henrietta, NY

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

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.