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Optical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Specialist, Optical Engineering

Rochester, NY

$84K - $157K/yr

Specialist, Optical Engineering Job Code: 37312 Job Location: Rochester, NY Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology center in Rochester, New York. This onsite role typically works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology center in Rochester, New York. This onsite role typically works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM ...

Corning

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84K - $116K/yr

Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology center in Rochester, New York. This onsite role typically works Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

B.S. in Engineering required; Optics or Physics preferred. 2-5 years in designing instrumentation for testing precision optical components systems. Hands-on metrology laboratory experience required ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

S. in Engineering required; Optics or Physics preferred. • 2-5 years in designing instrumentation for testing precision optical components systems. Hands-on metrology laboratory experience required ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY

$95K - $131K/yr

S. in Engineering required; Optics or Physics preferred. • 2-5 years in designing instrumentation for testing precision optical components systems. Hands-on metrology laboratory experience required ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Position Description The Optical Technician provides process support to manufacturing by working with SME's, Quality and Engineering to support both internal and external customers. Qualifications ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Position Description The Optical Technician provides process support to manufacturing by working with SME's, Quality and Engineering to support both internal and external customers. Qualifications ...

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Optical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.8K

$166.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Rochester, NY is $141,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What Does an Optical Engineer Do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

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

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you

Specialist, Optical Engineering

L3HHCM20

Rochester, NY

$84K - $157K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Optical Engineering

Job Code: 37312

Job Location: Rochester, NY

 

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking optical engineers in Rochester NY to work on a dynamic team to develop EO/IR solutions. They will have Engineering responsibilities supporting the synthesis, definition, analysis, design, development, integration & test of electro-optic systems for airborne and ground surveillance systems.  Candidates will work closely with cross functional members in engineering, manufacturing, & program management to design, develop & build high performance systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Optical Sensor System Analysis and Design, this includes developing new optical sensor payloads for both customer contracts and internal IR&D programs.
  • Utilize tools and procedures for Optical Design, Analysis, Integration and Test.
  • Provide Optical Engineering expertise to support manufacturing tasks and issues.
  • Document and control optical tools and procedures.
  • Develop and maintain technical connections and interactions with other optical Systems groups as well as relevant industry and academic groups.
  • Prepare design specifications, analyses and recommendations for presentation and approval through a formal review process.
  • Analyze, develop, and recommend design approaches to meet production requirements for new or improved products and/or processes.
  • Interface with mechanical, electrical, software and system engineers, providing engineering analysis and design from product inception to released fabrication drawings. 
  • Provide support for product development and proposals for conceptual layouts and cost estimation.
  • Complete documentation and BOMs to support life cycle of new or improved designs.
  • Provide support for existing product designs through the production cycle by incorporating engineering change orders (ECO).
  • Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Knowledge of mathematical analysis codes (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, etc.).
  • Understanding of IR detectors (well fill, NUC, SNR)
  • Understanding of radiometry (e.g. radiant intensity, NEI)
  • Able to work Modtran to model relevant environments
  • Experience with systems testing of EO/IR products
  • Ability to work with algorithm developers and understand how optical HW and Algos work together
  • Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Matlab/Simulink
  • Knowledge of optical part fabrication processes
  • Knowledge of stabilization, guidance and control
  • Optical integration and troubleshooting
  • Engineering of aerospace products
  • Strong mechanical and geo-spatial comprehension skills
  • System modeling using Matlab/Simulink

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $84,500 - $157,000. 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.

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