ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Laser Optics Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Syntec Optics

Coating Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

Job Summary: The Coating Engineer provides engineering support for vacuum thin-film coating ... laser damage. * Proficiency in coating design software and optical simulation tools. * Basic ...

Infinia Search Inc

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineer (Coating Process)

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The coating process engineer will be a key resource in advancing new products, new capabilities ... for the optical systems, semiconductor and lasers businesses. The work will include design ...

IDEX

Lead Metrology Engineer

West Henrietta, NY

$98K - $129K/yr

Custom optical test equipment systems and optical bench setups for both production environments and NRE engineering work Provide expertise in optical source and detector systems, including: * Lasers ...

IDEX Corporation

Lead Metrology Engineer

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Lead Engineer - Metrology Engineering Semrock Optical Filters, IH&S Position Summary ITAR/EAR ... in optical source and detector systems, including: * Lasers, LEDs, and broadband (white-light ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLaser Optics Engineer JobsLaser Optics Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Laser Optics Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$40K

$110.6K

$185.5K

How much do laser optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser optics engineer in Rochester, NY is $110,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,600.00 and $159,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are laser optics engineers in high demand?

Laser optics engineers are in high demand due to their specialized skills in designing and developing optical systems for applications such as telecommunications, medical devices, and defense. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with expertise in laser technology, optical design software, and relevant certifications. Employment opportunities are expected to remain robust as industries continue to advance in photonics and laser applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser optics engineer?

A Laser Optics Engineer typically needs a background in physics or engineering, with expertise in laser systems, optical design, and photonics. Familiarity with simulation and design software (such as Zemax or LightTools), and experience using laboratory measurement equipment, are often required, along with certifications in optics or laser safety being advantageous. Strong problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication skills are crucial in this collaborative, multidisciplinary field. These competencies ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and integration of advanced optical systems in real-world applications.

What is a laser optics engineer?

A Laser Optics Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes optical systems that use lasers for applications in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, medical devices, and defense. They work with optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and fiber optics to ensure precise laser performance. Responsibilities include simulation, testing, and troubleshooting optical systems. They often collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate laser technology into complex systems.

What does a laser optics engineer do?

Laser Optics Engineers typically spend their days designing and developing laser systems, conducting simulations and experiments in laboratory settings, and troubleshooting optical performance issues. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers and manufacturing staff, to ensure that system requirements are met and components are integrated successfully. Additionally, they document test results, refine designs based on feedback or research findings, and may participate in meetings with clients or internal stakeholders. This blend of design, hands-on experimentation, and teamwork creates a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

What degree do you need to be a laser optics engineer?

Laser optics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's or doctoral degree, along with experience in optics design, laser systems, and relevant software tools.
What are popular job titles related to Laser Optics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Laser Optics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laser Optics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Optics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Laser Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Optics Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,601 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74368

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. 

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions
Role Purpose

Lead coating development projects for Advanced Optics, with a focus on Precision Optics (semiconductor inspection) and Laser Optics (lithography). This role drives new coating designs, improves existing coatings and processes, supports early-stage customer programs, and contributes to long-term coating technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop new coating designs for semiconductor inspection and lithography applications
  • Optimize coating designs and processes to improve performance, reliability, durability, and cost
  • Lead technical development for early-stage Precision Optics programs
  • Support long-term coating and surface technology initiatives with Research
  • Define and execute DOE plans, sample coating, testing, and analysis
  • Guide technicians and engineers across development coating platforms, including PVD, plasma-assisted PVD, IBS, magnetron sputtering, and ALD
  • Improve manufacturing performance through coating design, materials, fixtures, and metrology
  • Provide clear, proactive reporting and cross-functional technical support throughout development and production

Expertise:

  • Strong background in materials science, thin films, coating design, and optical coating processes
  • Experience with optical coatings across IR, visible, and DUV wavelengths; VUV/EUV knowledge is a plus
  • Familiarity with metrology tools such as ellipsometry, AFM, and optical performance testing
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Research teams
Experiences/Education - Required
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Material Science, or Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical), or equivalent, with at least 10 years of experience OR 15+ years of relevant experience will be required for non-Ph.D. applicants.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in complex materials, processes and equipment.
  • Deep expertise in physical vapor deposition methods (PVD) for optical thin films, and associated optical properties, microstructure, stress, distribution on non-flat complex shapes and influence of varying light energy interaction with substrates and films.
  • Strong technical skills in optical thin film design, materials selection, processing, characterization, and optical measurements via Spectroscopic Ellipsometry.
  • Experience in supporting or leading R&D project plans with business focus.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Knowledge of additional coating technologies including Plasma Assisted PVD, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Ion Beam Sputtering, Magnetron Sputtering, and Optical Monitoring Systems.
  • Experience in advanced metrology tools such as AFM, TOF-SIMS,  and PCI absorption analysis
  • Optical design knowlege beyond coating (modeling for complex assemblies of mirrors, lenses, prisms or assemblies)
  • Project management competencies
  • Team leadership experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $139,499.00 - $191,812.00 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.

What Corning employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply