1

Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Deep knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism ... Adapts instruction using worked problems, PhET simulations, and laboratory-connected examples to ...

... optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ... Adapts instruction using demonstrations, PhET simulations, and scaffolded problem sets to support ...

Showing results 41-43

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Rochester, NY is $141,696.00, 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 is an optical simulation engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What are the main challenges an optical simulation engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

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

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,696 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Satellite Factory Program Office Representative

SAIC

Rochester, NY • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Description

Join a winning team!! SAIC’s Air Force, Space and Intelligence Business Group (AFSI BG) is currently hiring to advance space capabilities supporting our Department of Defense (DOD) customers. Ten miles from the SAIC headquarters, our Chantilly, VA team supports systems development, targeting & intelligence analysis, systems engineering & integration and more.

This position is for a Satellite Factory Program Office Representative for a large, multi-year contract supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Satellite Factory Program Office Representative is a vital link to our proven technical team of system engineers and satellite subject matter experts. This position is located at the Developer’s factory in Rochester, NY. As the on-site representative for the Government Program Office, this position provides system engineering and subsystem expertise to monitor developmental efforts and identify potential risks that could delay schedule. The Satellite Factory Program Office Representative also directly supports multiple satellite missions providing system engineering expertise through the system’s lifecycle.

Role Responsibilities:

• Partner with Developer factory system engineering staff to be a valued member of the team.

• Actively participate in Factory engineering, manufacturing, and testing activities to monitor progress, identify potential setbacks, and promote opportunities to achieve win-win solutions.

• Proactively communicate development and test statuses with the Program Office mission team.

• Provide subsystem and system engineering expertise to identify opportunities to improve designs and streamline development and integration of subsystems to achieve on-time mission success.

• Participate in weekly mission-focused status meetings to report on programmatic and technical performance. Report potential risks and opportunities. Communicate Developer challenges and help needed requests.

• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team including hardware and software, to ensure system integration and mission success. Foster communication and alignment among team members to identify challenges and corresponding solutions.

• Evaluate prime contractor performance at milestone reviews by analyzing compliance with technical requirements, and quality of deliverables. Offer recommendations to improve project outcomes and likelihood of success.

• Identify and manage risks throughout the systems engineering lifecycle by conducting risk assessments, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring potential impacts on mission objectives.

Qualifications

• Must possess an active TS/SCI clearance.

• Bachelor’s and 14 years of relevant experience; OR Masters and 12 years of relevant experience.

• At least 6 years’ experience as a lead system engineer or subject matter expert with focus on GEOINT, electro-optical sensors, telescopes, or adjacent technologies.

• Effective interpersonal skills (across multiple groups, offices, and organizations) and strong briefing and writing skills. Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.

• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.

• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• Electro-optical subsystem design, engineering, or test experience.

• Experience working with or for L3Harris, BAE Systems, or Northrop Grumman.

• Experience with Intelligence Community satellite development efforts.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

REQNUMBER: 2610945

SAIC is a premier technology integrator, solving our nation's most complex modernization and systems engineering challenges across the defense, space, federal civilian, and intelligence markets. Our robust portfolio of offerings includes high-end solutions in systems engineering and integration; enterprise IT, including cloud services; cyber; software; advanced analytics and simulation; and training. We are a team of 23,000 strong driven by mission, united purpose, and inspired by opportunity. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $6.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see Working at SAIC. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability


What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom