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Optical Design Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Design (or specify for purchase) optical test methods and instrumentation to measure various parameters of optical components used in complex optical systems for imaging, non-imaging and metrology ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Day to Day Responsibilities: • Collaborate with multi-disciplined project teams to design, integrate, and qualify custom metrology equipment. • Design (or specify for purchase) optical test ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY

$95K - $131K/yr

Day to Day Responsibilities: • Collaborate with multi-disciplined project teams to design, integrate, and qualify custom metrology equipment. • Design (or specify for purchase) optical test ...

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'll play a key part in building the processes, tools, and production readiness needed to deliver ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

In this role, you will help bring new optical products from concept design into manufacturing. You'll play a key part in building the processes, tools, and production readiness needed to deliver ...

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'll play a key part in building the processes, tools, and production readiness needed to deliver ...

Corning

Sr. Technician - Optical Thin Film

Fairport, NY

$78K - $107K/yr

Hands-on knowledge of thin film design software. * Basic understanding of electronic circuitry for machine problem solving. * Experience with Ellipsometry and other optical metrology is a real plus.

Corning

Sr. Technician - Optical Thin Film

Fairport, NY · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Hands-on knowledge of thin film design software. * Basic understanding of electronic circuitry for machine problem solving. * Experience with Ellipsometry and other optical metrology is a real plus.

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All JobsOptical Design JobsOptical Design Jobs in Rochester, NY

Optical Design information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$79.9K

$142.6K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design in Rochester, NY is $140,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by optical design engineers in project development?

Optical design engineers often face challenges such as balancing performance requirements with cost and manufacturability, ensuring tolerance to environmental factors, and integrating optics with mechanical and electronic systems. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as changes in one component can impact the entire system's performance. Staying updated with the latest simulation and modeling tools also helps address these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Optical Design vs Optical Engineering?

AspectOptical DesignOptical Engineering
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineeringDegree in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, simulation toolsManufacturing, testing labs, integration environments
Industry UsageDeveloping lens systems, optical componentsImplementing, testing, and maintaining optical systems
Search/Comparison IntentFocus on designing optical systemsFocus on applying and optimizing optical systems

Optical Design involves creating and simulating optical systems and components, primarily focusing on the conceptual and detailed design phase. Optical Engineering extends this work into implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world applications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus within the optical development process.

What is optical design?

Optical design is the process of creating systems and components that manipulate light, such as lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments. Professionals in this field use principles of physics and engineering to design devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optic systems. They often use specialized software to model how light will travel through different materials and configurations, optimizing for factors like image quality and efficiency. Optical designers work in industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and aerospace.

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

To thrive as an Optical Designer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering or science degree. Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V, and knowledge of CAD systems are commonly required, with certifications in these tools considered advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and refining complex designs. These skills ensure the creation of precise, innovative optical systems that meet stringent performance and quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Design jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Optical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,799 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Corning

Fairport, NY

$139K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 516 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 [email protected].

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