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Optical Manufacturing Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

MFG & PROCESS TECHNICIAN III

Webster, NY ยท On-site

$57K - $86K/yr

Job Overview TE Connectivity is seeking a Manufacturing and Process Technician to join our team in ... You'll work with fiber optics, opto-mechanical systems, and automated equipment to help us deliver ...

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY ยท On-site

$26 - $39/hr

Familiarity with optical manufacturing processes and terminology * Basic computer skills and experience with MRP systems preferred Apply now for immediate consideration for this Optical Fabricator ...

Assembly Technician

West Henrietta, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $63K/yr

The Optical Assembly Technician 1 performs foundational optical manufacturing operations in support of optical and optomechanical assemblies. This role focuses on part preparation, cleaning ...

Familiarity with optical manufacturing processes and terminology * Basic computer skills and experience with MRP systems preferred Apply now for immediate consideration for this Optical Fabricator ...

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Optical Manufacturing information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$17

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$31

How much do optical manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical manufacturing in Rochester, NY is $24.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Manufacturing job?

An Optical Manufacturing job involves producing precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms for industries like aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications. Workers in this field use specialized equipment to cut, grind, polish, and coat optical materials to meet exact specifications. They may also inspect finished products for quality and ensure they meet industry standards. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of optical fabrication processes.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities in Optical Manufacturing?

In Optical Manufacturing, entry-level roles often serve as stepping stones to more specialized positions, such as process technician, quality assurance specialist, or optical engineer. With additional experience and training, employees can advance into supervisory or management roles, or become experts in areas like process optimization or product development. Many companies encourage continuous learning, offering in-house training and support for professional certifications. Career growth may also include transitioning into related fields, such as research and development or technical sales, leveraging your manufacturing expertise.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In optical manufacturing, roles such as senior optical technicians or specialized quality control managers can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience and technical skills. These positions often require advanced training, certifications, or years of industry experience rather than a traditional degree.

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

To thrive in Optical Manufacturing, you need strong technical aptitude in precision measurement, mechanical assembly, and quality control, often supported by a background in optics, engineering, or manufacturing technology. Familiarity with tools like spectrometers, interferometers, CNC machines, and cleanroom procedures is crucial, and certifications such as IPC or ASQ may be beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the accuracy and quality of optical products, which are vital for applications in industries like healthcare, defense, and telecommunications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Optical Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Manufacturing jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Manufacturing job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Manufacturing job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,981 per year, or $25 per hour.
QED Optics Manufacturing Engineer

QED Optics Manufacturing Engineer

QED TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL LLC

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: QED Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Grade: 10

QED Technologies serves the precision optics industry. QEDโ€™s customers span the globe and include the worldโ€™s leading precision optics manufacturers. Based in Rochester, NY, QED is able to capitalize on the area's academic and industrial resources in the field of precision optics manufacturing and engineering to provide innovative products that set new standards in manufacturing precision optics. Please visit our web site https://qedtech.com for more information on QED Technologies.

Summary

Conducts the manufacture of precision optical components for a wide variety of customers by performing the following duties:

Quoting

  • Works closely with customers to gain an understanding of their technical and schedule needs, the details of their application, and any cost / performance trades.
  • Creates an engineering estimate for pricing and lead time that will be used to generate a quotation.

Manufacturing Engineering

  • Creates work instructions and monitors their execution by technician staff during optical component fabrication
  • Independently executes production work instructions from start to finish
  • Drives manufacturing process efficiencies through process parameter optimization
  • Designs metrology setups to support full aperture metrology of optical components, including fixturing and tooling that may be required. Develops error budgets to validate optical tests against customer requirements.
  • Analyzes surface/wavefront data acquired from various metrology setups to optimize process decisions.
  • Designs fixturing and tooling to support subaperture polishing processes
  • Trains others on the proper use and application of metrology and subaperture polishing equipment
  • Enters and maintains production order status in QED ERP system

Project-based Activities

  • Interacts with other engineering groups (software, systems, optical, mechanical, applications, etc) as needed to support project goals.
  • Prepares written technical reports and new technical proposals as needed for projects.
  • Interacts with customers to provide periodic status updates and support technical discussions.
  • Takes part in authoring technical papers and presenting at conferences.
  • Independently executes small projects as well as individual tasks on larger projects.

Qualifications

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical Skills:

  • Ability and experience with hand tools, measurement devices (calipers, Micrometers, Indicators, Gages etc).
  • Understanding of metrology setups and conventional fabrication techniques
  • Ability to draft work procedures and coordinate with technicians regarding processes and process improvements
  • Independently design, perform, analyze and communicate results of process improvements

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering or related field is preferred; 1 to 2 years of related experience in the aforementioned areas is desired*.

(* An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.).

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and Database software. Experience with CAD software to support fixture and tooling design is desired. The manufacturing engineer will be expected to become proficient with QEDโ€™s manufacturing and analysis software tools.


The candidate should be able to provide a minimum of 2 references.

Any technical papers a candidate has authored should also be submitted

The position will be based in Rochester, NY. Relocation will not be provided for this position.

QED Technologies International is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, but due to our ITAR status, we do not provide visa sponsorship. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and not require visa sponsorship now of in the future.

When not traveling, the Associate Field Service Engineer will be expected to work from the 1040 University Avenue, Rochester, NY location

QED offers a generous benefit package which in includes a discretionary bonus.