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Optical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

AlchLight LLC

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Material Engineering

Rochester, NY · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

A fast-growing high-tech laser company based in Rochester, NY welcomes a Material or Laser/Optical Engineer/Technician to join our dynamic team. The company is a leader in advanced laser material ...

New

AlchLight LLC

Be Seen First

Material Engineering

Rochester, NY · On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

A fast-growing high-tech laser company based in Rochester, NY welcomes a Material or Laser/Optical Engineer/Technician to join our dynamic team. The company is a leader in advanced laser material ...

New

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Optical Engineering/Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Physics. * Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience * Strong critical thinking ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Optical Engineering/Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Physics. * Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience * Strong critical thinking ...

Corning

Optical Coating Process Engineer I

Fairport, NY · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Optical Engineering/Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Physics. * Minimum 1-3 years of UV optical thin film production experience * Strong critical thinking ...

Actalent

Senior Test Engineer

West Henrietta, NY

Senior Test Engineer (Optics) This role leads the optical characterization and test laboratory, maintaining and documenting existing test procedures while developing new methods that support Quality ...

Posted today

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

Vertex Optics

Optical Technician

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Vertex Optics is not just another company, and this opportunity is not just another job! At Vertex ... Follow engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, procedures, process specifications ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

As a member of the Advanced Optics Division Engineering Optical Thin Film Coating group, you will define and develop optical thin film coatings and manufacturing processes that build on Corning ...

IDEX

Lead Engineer- Optical Coating Design

West Henrietta, NY · On-site +1

$98K - $129K/yr

Lead Engineer - Optical Coating Design REPORTING TO: Director, Filter Design and Coating Technology LOCATION: Center of Excellence, West Henrietta, NY (Onsite/hybrid remote possible) ITAR/EAR ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Optical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Rochester, NY is $141,696.00, 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?

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.

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 field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and optical design software. Continuous advancements in technology contribute to sustained employment opportunities for optical engineers.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
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
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,696 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Material Engineering

AlchLight LLC

Rochester, NY • On-site

$40K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted yesterday

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Job description

A fast-growing high-tech laser company based in Rochester, NY welcomes a Material or Laser/Optical Engineer/Technician to join our dynamic team. The company is a leader in advanced laser material processing technologies, which have been extensively featured by media coverages, including 4 New York Times articles and numerous documentaries. The company invites highly motivated and passionate individuals with strong technical know-how and hands-on experience to join our growing team.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform advanced material laser functionalization projects with the state-of-art laser machining.
  • Work on problem assessment and providing customized technical solutions
  • Learn new skills to advance technological developments
  • Work independently or with a project team collaboratively for problem-solving
  • Prepare technical documents, proposals, and presentations.
  • Assist with technical evaluation, solution suggestions, and cost estimates
  • Participate in customer meetings by working with the marketing team
  • Prepare documentation of all types: schematic diagrams, maintenance logs, instruction manuals
  • Perform other studies consistent with the scope of the position

Qualifications:

  • For the material engineer position, a degree ranging from BS to PhD in materials science, surface engineering, physics, chemical engineering, or a closed-related field
  • Strong experience in the developing and testing of superhydrophobic/superoleophobic/slippery/superhydrophilic treatments, Scratch-resistant coatings (hard coats).
  • Strong experiences with thin film deposition techniques (spray coating, sol-gel, dip coating, spin coating, PVD, CVD, sputtering).
  • Strong understanding of materials science, surface chemistry, or physics
  • Knowledge of laser safety and standards.
  • Fast learner, preferrable with experience working with optics and lasers.
  • Experience in laser-matter interaction is a plus.
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About AlchLight

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

2016

View All AlchLight Jobs