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Optical Engineering Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

TE Connectivity

SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Rochester, NY · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

You'll solve complex mechanical engineering challenges in sub-micron precision design, working with advanced materials to create products that enable the world's most demanding optical interconnect ...

Corning

Senior Staff Scientist - Optics

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Master's Degree in physics, optical engineering or electrical engineering and 10 years of relevant experience. * Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials * Ability to ...

Corning

Senior Staff Scientist - Optics

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Master's Degree in physics, optical engineering or electrical engineering and 10 years of relevant experience. * Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials * Ability to ...

Corning

Senior Staff Scientist - Optics

Fairport, NY

$139K - $191K/yr

Master's Degree in physics, optical engineering or electrical engineering and 10 years of relevant experience. * Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials * Ability to ...

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All JobsOptical Engineering JobsOptical Engineering Jobs in Rochester, NY

Optical Engineering information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$21

$51

$115

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Rochester, NY is $51.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.18 and $82.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical engineering?

Optical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and application of optical systems and devices, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. Optical engineers use knowledge of physics and materials science to manipulate light and create products that rely on light and vision technologies. This field is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, consumer electronics, and aerospace. Optical engineers often work on improving performance, efficiency, and functionality of optical components and systems.

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

Optical Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop complex products such as cameras, sensors, or fiber optic systems. A common challenge is effectively communicating highly technical optical concepts to colleagues from other disciplines who may not share the same background. This requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to ensure design requirements are understood and integrated smoothly. Additionally, balancing optical performance with cost, manufacturability, and system constraints can be demanding but also provides valuable experience for career growth.

What engineers make $500,000?

In optical engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced skills in optics and photonics, and often leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized industries like defense or aerospace. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of innovation or management.

What can you do with an optical engineering degree?

An optical engineering degree prepares individuals for roles designing and developing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. Graduates often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and defense, utilizing skills in optics, physics, and computer-aided design. Certification and hands-on experience with optical software and laboratory work can enhance employment opportunities.

What do optical engineers do?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering, often working with tools like CAD software and optical testing equipment, to improve technologies in fields like telecommunications, healthcare, and defense.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers to develop and improve optical systems for space missions, telescopes, and scientific instruments. These engineers typically need a background in optics, physics, or engineering, along with experience in designing and testing optical components in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Optical Engineering vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineeringOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related area
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing companiesManufacturing floors, assembly lines, testing labs
Job FocusDesigning optical systems, developing new technologiesAssembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defense

Optical engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and specialized skills. Optical technicians support these efforts by assembling and testing optical components, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

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 deep understanding of 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 essential, and certifications like Certified Optical Engineer can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and translate technical concepts. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and improving optical systems that meet precise technical and commercial requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Engineering jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Engineering job openings:
Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,559 per year, or $51.2 per hour.
Hardware and Electrical Engineering Supervisor

Hardware and Electrical Engineering Supervisor

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74319
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

Purpose of Position
The Controls & Hardware Supervisor provides technical and supervisory leadership for the development of measurement, control, and automation systems used to evaluate performance, optimize quality, and ensure compliance of complex optical systems. This role works with multidisciplinary engineering teams to specify, develop, build, and maintain complex test systems for use in both engineering and production environments, while supervising and mentoring a team of engineers and technicians.
Day to Day Responsibilities
  • Provide technical leadership for the architecture and development of metrology, controls, hardware, and software systems supporting optical system test and measurement.
  • Supervise, mentor, and provide day-to-day guidance to a team of approximately 6-8 engineers and technicians, including task assignments, technical oversight, and performance feedback.
  • Define metrology and controls system architectures for test benches to enable comprehensive assessment of optical system performance.
  • Develop and maintain error budgets and use them to refine test bench architectures to ensure robust and repeatable measurements.
  • Specify, design, assemble, test, and document automated test and control systems, including motors, detectors, cameras, data acquisition, timing circuitry, wiring, and cable assemblies for prototype and production environments.
  • Develop and maintain software applications to automate test execution, data acquisition, analysis, and data storage in engineering and production settings.
  • Coordinate technical activities with optical design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams.
  • Support test system deployment, troubleshooting, and sustainment in both laboratory and cleanroom environments.
  • Serve as a technical contributor on complex projects, maintaining approximately 50% hands on involvement alongside supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of industrial or combined industrial and graduate level research experience.
  • Experience working on complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects with challenging technical requirements and schedule constraints.
  • Firm foundation in mathematical analysis, including statistics and trigonometry.
  • Strong understanding of error sources, error budgeting, and mitigation techniques.
  • Background in electronics, including analog and digital circuits, with hands on troubleshooting experience using tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.
  • Familiarity with optical elements, imaging systems, and illumination systems.
  • Familiarity with developing software using interpreted or scripted languages such as Python or MATLAB.
  • Demonstrated experience leading small teams, supervising technical staff, or mentoring engineers.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience developing precision measurement systems, including architecture definition, error budgeting, and calibration.
  • Programming experience in C, C++, or C#.
  • Experience with National Instruments Lab Windows or LabVIEW environments.
  • Experience with computer vision systems and libraries (e.g., OpenCV).
  • Familiarity with control loops, PID tuning, and process automation.

Travel Requirements
Occasional travel may be required to support program needs, integration activities, or coordination with other company sites.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $126,041.00 - $173,307.00 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 accommodations@corning.com.

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