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Optical Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optics Process Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$84K - $156K/yr

As an Optical Process Engineer specializing in CNC fabrication, you will play a key role in developing and advancing machining processes used to manufacture missioncritical optical components. You ...

Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$121K - $156K/yr

The Senior Optical Process Engineer will be responsible for process development and assembly build with quality for R&D and volume system integration and deployment at PsiQuantum. This role requires ...

Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $156K/yr

The Senior Optical Process Engineer will be responsible for process development and assembly build with quality for R&D and volume system integration and deployment at PsiQuantum. This role requires ...

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical expertise in ...

The Sr. Global Optics Process Engineer candidate will lead the development of optical test and ... Develop optical test equipment and burn-in requirements supporting RFQ's and supplier technical ...

Process Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

PROCESS ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous ...

Process Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

PROCESS ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous ...

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Optical Process Engineer information

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$49.5K

$92K

$142.5K

How much do optical process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical process engineer in the United States is $92,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Process Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), cleanroom processes, and relevant manufacturing and metrology equipment is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help address complex technical challenges and collaborate across functions. These competencies are crucial for developing high-precision optical components and ensuring efficient, reliable manufacturing processes.

What does an Optical Process Engineer do?

An Optical Process Engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes for optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and filters. They work to ensure high-quality production by optimizing fabrication techniques, troubleshooting process issues, and collaborating with design and production teams. Their responsibilities often include process validation, quality control, and the integration of new technologies to enhance optical component performance and efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by Optical Process Engineers in a manufacturing environment?

Optical Process Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining tight tolerances and consistent quality during the fabrication of optical components. Variations in material properties, precision alignment, and contamination control require careful process monitoring and troubleshooting. Additionally, scaling up from prototyping to full-scale production can introduce complexities in process stability, equipment calibration, and cross-functional collaboration with design and production teams. Staying up-to-date with evolving manufacturing technologies is also important to ensure process efficiency and product quality.
More about Optical Process Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Process Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,018 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Optics Process Engineer

L3HHCM20

Rochester, NY • On-site

$84K - $156K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Optics Process Engineer

Job Code: 37211

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 5/8 (Mon to Fri)

Job Description:

L3Harris's Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optical Process Engineer to support the production of toptier optical components for advanced astronomical, highenergy laser, and earthimaging applications. As an Optical Process Engineer specializing in CNC fabrication, you will play a key role in developing and advancing machining processes used to manufacture missioncritical optical components. You will leverage your expertise in CNC grinding and milling to improve performance, reliability, and throughput across our optical fabrication cell. This is a handson engineering role where you will drive complex process initiatives, collaborate with crossfunctional teams, and ensure our CNC machining operations meet demanding optical tolerances and production goals. You will have the opportunity to innovate, mentor others, and directly influence the quality and capability of nextgeneration optical products.

Essential Functions:

Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining processes for highprecision optical components, including grinding and milling of glass, crystals, ceramics, and optical metals
Lead complex fabrication improvement projects that enhance precision, capability, and throughput
Introduce new optical designs into manufacturing by creating process plans, selecting tooling, defining fixturing, and establishing inspection methods
Apply structured problemsolving to diagnose machining issues using rootcause analysis, process data, and metrology results
Partner with quality and metrology teams to verify process capability and ensure compliance with strict optical tolerances
Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, programming, and quality teams to standardize machining best practices and implement process innovations
Provide technical coaching and daily support to engineers, technicians, and CNC programmers within the fabrication area
Ability to obtain US Government security clearance

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Optical, or a related engineering field and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience; or a graduate degree and a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience

Preferred Additional Skills:

Strong, specialized knowledge of CNC optical fabrication consistent with seniorlevel technical roles
Expertise in CNC machining (3axis and 5axis), including grinding, milling, toolpath strategies, and machining dynamics
Demonstrated ability to lead or own complex technical processes or projects
Experience machining optical materials such as glass, crystals, or ceramics
Proficiency with GD&T, SPC, process capability analysis, and rootcause investigation
Ability to collaborate across functions and influence adoption of process changes or improvements
Experience with CNC machining platforms such as OptiPro, DMG MORI, or Haas
Understanding of advanced finishing technologies (MRF, CNC polishing, diamond turning)
Working knowledge of CAD/CAM (Mastercam) and CNC programming for complex or freeform surfaces
Background in design for manufacturability (DFM) for optical components

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $84,000-$156,000. 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.

The application window for this requisition is anticipated to close July 29, 2026.

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