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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

University of Rochester

FPGA Design Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

... optics - Embedded programming in Linux - CAD schematic capture The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the ...

Corning

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY

$85K - $117K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Proficiency in 3D CAD and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Siemens NX ...

Bausch + Lomb

Medical Device Engineer I

Rochester, NY · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The Medical Device Engineer II supports the design and development of contact lenses within Bausch ... Optical design experience (Zemax) * Contact lens or ophthalmic industry experience. * Understanding ...

L3Harris Technologies

Lead, Optical Engineering

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Rochester, New York Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off!) We are looking for a motivated Lead Optical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of advanced optical and electro ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

In this role, you will help bring new optical products from concept design into manufacturing. You ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

In this role, you will help bring new optical products from concept design into manufacturing. You ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a ...

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All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Optical Design Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$78.5K

$138.1K

$185.1K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Rochester, NY is $138,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The growing use of laser technology, imaging systems, and photonics drives employment opportunities, especially for those with skills in optical design software and systems integration.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced optical design engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-end imaging can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in optical systems and design tools like Zemax or Code V.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical modeling software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or imaging often earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing tend to offer such compensation levels, especially with leadership responsibilities or in high-cost regions.

What are some common challenges Optical Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet performance specifications and quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What are Optical Design Engineers?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,114 per year, or $66.4 per hour.
Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 521 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74664
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
Corning Incorporated is hiring a Development Manager, Optical Fabrication at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed. U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status is required for this position.
Shape the future of advanced optics manufacturing in this hands-on leadership role within Corning's Advanced Optics surface finishing and optical fabrication development group. You will work closely with the Optical Metrology Development Group Lead in support of Advanced Optics initiatives in Fairport, NY; Keene, NH; Canton, NY; and Sullivan Park Research Center in Corning, NY. In this role, you will translate business and product roadmaps into clear priorities and strong execution across optical fabrication development, while leading innovation, developing people, and helping keep Corning at the forefront of optical systems innovation.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on optical fabrication development
  • Translate business and product roadmaps into clear plans, priorities, and execution strategies
  • Drive innovation in optical finishing and fabrication processes
  • Manage schedules, budgets, technical risks, and tradeoff decisions across multiple priorities
  • Partner closely with the Optical Metrology Development Group Lead, optical design teams, coating teams, and equipment vendors
  • Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships to support program goals
  • Ensure effective transfer of development work into engineering and production
  • Balance near-term execution with longer-term technology development needs
  • Build an inclusive, accountable culture through coaching, onboarding, and performance management
  • Reinforce a proactive safety mindset across the team

Minimum Qualifications & Skills
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in optical finishing and process development
  • 3+ years of people leadership or technical team leadership experience
  • Deep technical knowledge of high-precision optics fabrication technologies and methods
  • Effective communication and listening skills
  • U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience developing new fabrication process technologies and validating capability
  • Record of accomplishment of delivering technological innovation on schedule and within budget
  • Experience with business case development, value proposition validation, and technical risk management
  • Familiarity with program management tools such as MS Project or equivalent
  • Comfort using AI tools to support analysis, planning, or productivity

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $147,037.00 - $202,176.00 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.

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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