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Optical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Development Manager, Optical Metrology

Fairport, NY · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on optical metrology development * Translate business and product roadmaps into clear plans, priorities, and execution ...

Corning

Development Manager, Optical Metrology

Fairport, NY · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on optical metrology development * Translate business and product roadmaps into clear plans, priorities, and execution ...

IDEX

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$79K/yr

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop ...

IDEX

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... Optical Fabricator This role is onsite and nonexempt. This role reports to the Glass Shop ...

TE Connectivity

SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Rochester, NY · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and help design the next generation of precision optical connector systems powering AI and hyperscale ...

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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 Jul 1, 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, 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
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,696 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

Corning

Fairport, NY

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 527 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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