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Optical Fiber Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical ...

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical ...

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This is a hands-on engineering / manufacturing role working in collaboration with the Division ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This is a hands-on engineering / manufacturing role working in collaboration with the Division ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This is a hands-on engineering / manufacturing role working in collaboration with the Division ...

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... This is a hands-on engineering / manufacturing role working in collaboration with the Division ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Fiber Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.8K

$166.3K

How much do optical fiber engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical fiber 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 does an optical fiber engineer do?

An Optical Fiber Engineer specializes in the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fiber optic communication systems. They work on laying fiber optic cables, configuring optical network equipment, and ensuring optimal data transmission over long distances. Optical Fiber Engineers are essential for supporting high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data connectivity in various industries. Their responsibilities also include testing fiber connections, maintaining network reliability, and adhering to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical fiber engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Fiber Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fiber optic theory, network design, and installation practices, often backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like OTDRs, splicing machines, CAD software, and certifications such as FOA CFOT are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help engineers excel in troubleshooting and project coordination. These skills ensure reliable, high-performance network installations and maintenance, which are critical for modern communications infrastructure.

What are some common challenges optical fiber engineers face during large-scale network deployments?

Optical Fiber Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating difficult terrain for cable installation, and ensuring minimal signal loss over long distances. They must also manage tight project timelines and adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role frequently involves troubleshooting issues in collaboration with field technicians, project managers, and network planners.

What is the difference between Optical Fiber Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Fiber EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in telecommunications, electrical engineering, or related field; certifications like FOA or Cisco CCNAHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications such as FOA Fiber Optic Technician
Work EnvironmentDesign, plan, and oversee fiber optic installations; office and fieldworkInstall, maintain, and repair fiber optic networks; primarily fieldwork
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, data centersTelecom companies, ISPs, network service providers

While both roles involve working with fiber optics, Optical Fiber Engineers focus on designing and planning fiber optic systems, whereas Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the fiber optics industry.

Are optical fiber engineers in high demand?

Optical fiber engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and the need for high-speed data transmission. They typically require specialized skills in fiber optic installation, testing, and maintenance, and job opportunities are expected to grow as demand for faster internet and 5G networks increases.

How much do optical fiber engineers get paid?

Optical fiber engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

How much does an optical fiber engineer make?

The average salary for an optical fiber engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for telecommunications infrastructure.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Fiber Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Fiber Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Fiber Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,761 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 75595
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 Advanced Optics is seeking an experienced optical design engineer to join our team. This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical systems, working in multidisciplinary teams of engineers from concept development through hardware delivery.
Key Responsibilities
  • Participate in early-stage discussions with customers and distill & translate customer requirements into concrete system specifications.
  • Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications.
  • Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity and tolerancing software.
  • Collaborate with system metrology and controls engineers to develop appropriate measurement and optimization test benches.
  • Provide optical design support to both prototype development and long-term manufacturing.
  • Analyze the influential metrics to understand operational performance of an optical system.
  • Plan and implement optical design processes to transfer the system to production.

In summary, this engineer will work within a multi-disciplinary project team to analyze, engineer, and build lens systems from concept to completion.
Experiences/Education - Required
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Optics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • 5+ years of industry experience in optical design engineering, working on the full life cycle of complex optical systems, from design concept to hardware delivery.
  • Proficiency using commercial optical design software for the design, optimization, and analysis of imaging optical systems; experience with CODE V is preferred
  • Experience with distilling a complex set of customer optical system requirements into cohesive optical design specifications.
  • Keen understanding of optical manufacturing strategies, sensitivity analysis, tolerancing, and fabrication methods.
  • Familiarity with lens system performance metrics, including first-order properties, wavefront error, resolution, distortion, polarization-sensitive performance (transmission, retardance, and diattenuation), etc..
  • Ability to communicate optical design concepts, tradeoffs, and technical details with a multi-disciplinary team and with the customer.

Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Experience supporting optical projects through concept design, engineering development, and hardware delivery.
  • Knowledge of optical design principles for imaging and/or illumination systems.
  • Familiarity with optical designs for illumination systems.
  • Experience using a wide range of optical software analysis tools for both imaging and illumination systems, including CODE V, Zemax, LightTools, FRED, etc..
  • Broad optical design experience in monochromatic and broadband lens systems operating in the UV and/or visible portions of the spectrum.
  • Familiarity with refractive, reflective and catadioptric design forms.
  • Macro development in CODE V, and data analysis and script development in MATLAB or Python.
  • Solid background in mathematics (calculus and linear algebra) and in geometrical and physical optics, to be equipped to work with proprietary or novel performance metrics for our most challenging optical systems.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $112,902.00 - $155,240.00 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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