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Materials Science Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse Associate A-Shift

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

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 ...

Warehouse Associate A-Shift

West Henrietta, NY

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

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 ...

Senior Program Manager

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$111K - $111K/yr

IDEX Materials Science Solutions is a platform business within the IDEX Corporation which brings together a broad set of capabilities and applications experience to help our OEM customers solve high ...

Senior Program Manager

West Henrietta, NY

$111K - $111K/yr

IDEX Materials Science Solutions is a platform business within theIDEX Corporationwhich brings together a broad set of capabilities and applications experience to help our OEM customers solve high ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Coating Technician B-Shift

West Henrietta, NY

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

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 ...

Software Engineer V

Rochester, NY · On-site

$180K - $247K/yr

If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. What We Offer Salary: $180 ...

Assembler I - B-Shift

West Henrietta, NY

$15.25 - $19/hr

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Materials Science information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$52.3K

$122.3K

$170.7K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Rochester, NY is $122,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers are in material science?

Careers in materials science include roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These positions often require knowledge of materials properties, testing methods, and proficiency with tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, with opportunities in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare.

What does a materials scientist do?

A materials scientist researches and develops new materials or improves existing ones, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. They analyze material properties, use laboratory equipment, and often work in research labs or manufacturing environments to solve technical problems and innovate in product design.

What is a Materials Science job?

A Materials Science job involves studying and developing materials to improve existing products or create new ones. Professionals in this field work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to enhance properties like strength, durability, and conductivity. They collaborate with engineers and manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Common roles include materials engineer, metallurgist, and research scientist.

How much money does a materials scientist usually make?

Materials scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $97,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in specialized industries can lead to higher compensation.

Are materials scientists in demand?

Materials scientists are in demand in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and energy, where advanced materials are essential. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as research and development in new materials and technologies continue to expand, requiring skills in laboratory analysis, computer modeling, and materials characterization.

What typical career paths are available for professionals in Materials Science?

Materials Science professionals can pursue a variety of career paths including roles in research and development, quality assurance, product design, manufacturing, and technical consulting. Many start as lab technicians or junior engineers and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or even into leadership roles such as director of materials engineering. Career progression often depends on accumulating hands-on experience, pursuing advanced degrees, and developing expertise with specialized materials or industry applications. Employers value individuals who continually update their skills and contribute to cross-functional projects. The field offers diverse opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical devices, electronics, and energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Materials Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Materials Science, you need strong analytical skills in chemistry and physics, a degree in materials science or a related engineering field, and hands-on laboratory experience. Familiarity with technical tools such as electron microscopes, spectrometers, and materials characterization software, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ, are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are highly valued in this profession. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative materials, ensuring quality, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in research and industrial settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Materials Science jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Science jobs in Rochester, NY? For Materials Science jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Materials Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,321 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 527 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.


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