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Optical Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Manufacturing Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical manufacturing engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for an Optical Manufacturing Engineer?

As an Optical Manufacturing Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include developing and optimizing manufacturing processes for lenses, mirrors, and other optical components, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring products meet stringent quality standards. You will often collaborate closely with design engineers, quality assurance teams, and production staff to implement process improvements and solve technical challenges. Additionally, you may be involved in selecting materials, configuring testing procedures, and supporting new product launches. Successful Optical Manufacturing Engineers also regularly review manufacturing data to identify areas for efficiency gains and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Manufacturing Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in optical engineering principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, precision measurement tools, and quality management systems such as ISO 9001 is often required, along with certifications like Six Sigma being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills will help you excel in collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the successful design, production, and quality control of complex optical components.

What does an Optical Manufacturing Engineer do?

An Optical Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and improves the processes involved in manufacturing optical components and systems. They work with precision optics, lenses, mirrors, and other photonic materials to ensure quality and performance. Their responsibilities include process optimization, tooling design, testing, and troubleshooting production issues. They collaborate with design teams, technicians, and quality engineers to meet industry standards and efficiency goals.

More about Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Manufacturing Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager

L3Harris Technologies

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$101K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers in support of optical manufacturing operations.

  • Set priorities for production support, process improvement, troubleshooting, and technical execution.

  • Support complex manufacturing issues through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action.


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Job Code: 39470

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 5/8: Employees work 8 hours per day, 5 days a week Mon-Fri

Job Description:

L3Harris's Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optics Manufacturing Engineering Manager to support the production of top-tier optical components for advanced astronomical, high-energy laser, and earth imaging applications. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will lead the department's Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers supporting optical manufacturing operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on people leader who enjoys developing technical talent, setting clear priorities, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and driving strong execution. The manager will provide both team leadership and direct technical contributions to improve process discipline, production support, manufacturing readiness, and business performance.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead Technical Leads and Optical Process Engineers in support of optical manufacturing.
  • Coach, develop, and manage performance for a technical team of 15-20 engineers.
  • Set priorities for production support, process improvement, troubleshooting, and technical execution.
  • Maintain direct technical responsibility as a Technical Lead or Optical Process Engineering contributor.
  • Support complex manufacturing issues through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
  • Ensure engineering activities align with safety, quality, delivery, cost, and program requirements.
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, Program Management, Design Engineering, Metrology, and Supply Chain.
  • Strengthen process discipline through standard work, work instructions, and procedure adherence.
  • Build team capability through mentoring, cross-training, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
  • Communicate risks, resource needs, priorities, and recovery plans to leadership.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years prior related experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience leading technical teams in high-mix, complex manufacturing environments.
  • Background in optics, precision machining, polishing, metrology, CNC, or process engineering.
  • Ability to balance people leadership with hands on technical ownership.
  • Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action skills.
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, process control, or continuous improvement.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership across Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Program Management.
  • Experience improving standard work, documentation, training, and manufacturing readiness.
  • Comprehensive knowledge in manufacturing engineering responsibilities include production support, non-recurring activities, and capital investment.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $101,500 - $188,500. 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.

#LI-NB1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time