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Laser Optics Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Batavia, NY · On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Familiarity with laser-cooled atoms, optical clocks, single-photon atom optics, atom interferometry, or frequency-stabilized lasers. * Scientific computing: Experience with Python, C++, Julia, UNIX ...

Experience in optics or precision optics manufacturing * Familiarity with G-code, Mastercam, or ... Knowledge of optical materials or coatings used in laser applications This position does not ...

Experience in optics or precision optics manufacturing * Familiarity with G-code, Mastercam, or ... Knowledge of optical materials or coatings used in laser applications This position does not ...

Experience in optics or precision optics manufacturing * Familiarity with G-code, Mastercam, or ... Knowledge of optical materials or coatings used in laser applications This position does not ...

Lead, Optical Engineering

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Hands-on experience with optical metrology equipment (interferometers, autocollimators, laser trackers) and phase retrieval techniques. Familiarity with specialized metrology software, including Zygo ...

Perform optics and laser-based projects with the state-of-art laser machining. * Working on problem assessment and providing customized technical solutions. * Learn new skills to advance ...

Lead, Optical Engineering - Stray light

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Hands-on experience with optical metrology equipment (interferometers, autocollimators, laser trackers) and phase retrieval techniques. Familiarity with specialized metrology software, including Zygo ...

Showing results 21-40

Laser Optics information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$13

$19

$27

How much do laser optics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for laser optics in Rochester, NY is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals working in laser optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Laser Optics often encounter challenges related to precise alignment, maintaining beam quality, and managing optical component contamination. Working in controlled environments and adhering to strict cleanliness protocols are crucial for ensuring system reliability. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers and physicists—is common, and strong communication skills help in troubleshooting and optimizing optical setups. Staying updated with the latest advancements and regularly calibrating equipment can also mitigate many common issues.

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

To excel as a Laser Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as optical engineering or applied physics. Familiarity with optical design software (like Zemax or Code V), laser alignment equipment, and laboratory measurement tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this role. These competencies are critical for developing precise optical systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring high-performance results in research or industrial applications.

Is becoming a laser optics technician worth it?

Laser optics technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot laser systems used in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and research. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of optics and laser safety, and often a certification or associate degree; it can offer stable employment and competitive wages. Career growth depends on experience, specialization, and industry demand.

What is laser optics?

Laser optics is a specialized field focused on the components and systems that manipulate laser light, such as lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, and filters. Professionals in laser optics design, test, and maintain optical devices used in applications ranging from scientific research and telecommunications to manufacturing and medicine. Their work ensures that laser beams are precisely controlled for tasks like cutting materials, transmitting data, or conducting precise measurements. A solid understanding of physics, materials science, and optical engineering is essential in this field.

What degree do you need to work with laser optics?

A career in laser optics typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's or doctoral degree, along with experience in optics, laser systems, and relevant laboratory skills.
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What job categories do people searching Laser Optics jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Laser Optics jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Infographic showing various Laser Optics job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,842 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager

L3 Harris

Rochester, NY

$188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


L3Harris rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

L3Harris

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,941 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Job Code: 39470
Job Location: Rochester, NY
Job Schedule: 5/8: Employees work 8 hours per day, 5 days a week Mon-Fri
Job Description:
L3Harris's Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager to support the production of top-tier optical components for advanced astronomical, high-energy laser, and earth imaging applications. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will lead the department's Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers supporting optical manufacturing operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on people leader who enjoys developing technical talent, setting clear priorities, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and driving strong execution. The manager will provide both team leadership and direct technical contributions to improve process discipline, production support, manufacturing readiness, and business performance.
Essential Functions:
  • Lead Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers in support of optical manufacturing.
  • Coach, develop, and manage performance for a technical team of 15-20 engineers.
  • Set priorities for production support, process improvement, troubleshooting, and technical execution.
  • Maintain direct technical responsibility as a Technical Lead or Optical Process Engineering contributor.
  • Support complex manufacturing issues through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
  • Ensure engineering activities align with safety, quality, delivery, cost, and program requirements.
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, Program Management, Design Engineering, Metrology, and Supply Chain.
  • Strengthen process discipline through standard work, work instructions, and procedure adherence.
  • Build team capability through mentoring, cross-training, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
  • Communicate risks, resource needs, priorities, and recovery plans to leadership.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years prior related experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Experience leading technical teams in high-mix, complex manufacturing environments.
  • Background in optics, precision machining, polishing, metrology, CNC, or process engineering.
  • Ability to balance people leadership with hands on technical ownership.
  • Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action skills.
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, process control, or continuous improvement.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management.
  • Experience improving standard work, documentation, training, and manufacturing readiness.
  • Comprehensive knowledge in manufacturing engineering responsibilities include production support, non-recurring activities, and capital investment.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $101,500 - $188,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
#LI-NB1
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish . For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish .

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