1

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

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

... optical systems for imaging, non-imaging and metrology systems. Use a wide array of in-house and ... B.S. in Engineering required; Optics or Physics preferred. 2-5 years in designing instrumentation ...

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

... systems for imaging, non-imaging and metrology systems. • Use a wide array of in-house and ... S. in Engineering required; Optics or Physics preferred. • 2-5 years in designing instrumentation ...

... systems for imaging, non-imaging and metrology systems. • Use a wide array of in-house and ... S. in Engineering required; Optics or Physics preferred. • 2-5 years in designing instrumentation ...

Volt is immediately hiring for GEOINT Display Systems Engineer in As a GEOINT Display Systems ... Expertise in image quality, electro?optical systems, or display metrology. * Hands?on experience ...

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... The ideal candidate has experience in optical systems and glass fabrication, along with strong ...

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... The ideal candidate has experience in optical systems and glass fabrication, along with strong ...

With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ... The ideal candidate has experience in optical systems and glass fabrication, along with strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Systems Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems 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 are Optical Systems Engineers?

Optical Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize systems that use light, such as cameras, telescopes, lasers, and fiber optic communication devices. They apply principles of optics, physics, and engineering to create solutions for imaging, sensing, and transmitting information. Their work often involves selecting components, modeling optical performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate optical technologies into larger systems. Optical Systems Engineers are essential in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

What types of projects and teams do Optical Systems Engineers typically work with, and how does collaboration factor into daily responsibilities?

Optical Systems Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and manufacturing specialists. Their daily responsibilities usually involve designing, testing, and optimizing optical components or systems, such as lenses, lasers, or imaging devices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they must integrate optical solutions with other engineering domains and ensure all system requirements are met. Collaborative problem-solving and regular cross-functional meetings are common, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this role.

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

AspectOptical Systems EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; often certifications in optical designBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in optical design software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments, often cross-disciplinary teamsDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing, focused on optical component and system design
Employer & Industry UsageOptical, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, imaging industriesOptical, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, medical devices

Optical Systems Engineers focus on integrating optical components into complete systems, ensuring functionality and performance. Optical Design Engineers primarily develop and optimize individual optical components and assemblies. Both roles require strong optical knowledge, but their focus differs from system integration to component design.

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

To thrive as an Optical Systems Engineer, you need strong knowledge in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory measurement instruments is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and solving complex problems. These skills and qualifications ensure precise system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in the development of advanced optical technologies.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Specialist, Systems Engineer (Space Optics)

Specialist, Systems Engineer (Space Optics)

L3Harris Technologies

Clarkson, NY

$80K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


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: Specialist, System Engineering (Space Optics)

Job Code: 36095

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified applicants

Job Description:

The L3Harris space superiority and imaging systems engineering department is seeking a systems engineer to join our team and support programs that we have recently won. The department specializes in space-based, small and large aperture visible and infrared telescopes with integrated electromechanical devices used for motion and focus control. 

The successful candidate will be a technical point of contact and IPT, performing technical analysis, managing specifications, and generating design review and technical documents.  Additional responsibilities include leading the test and design verification, requirements sell off, and end item data package (EIDP) generation efforts.  

Essential Functions: 

  • Systems engineering experience in passive/active electro-optical hardware
  • Perform technical analysis, manage specifications, and generate design review, requirements, specifications, interface, and technical documents.
  • Support product test and design verification, requirements sell-off, risk assessments and mitigations, end item data package generation efforts
  • Engage in continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance engineering efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure integration and compatibility of all system components and provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the entire project lifecycle.
  • Utilize systems engineering tools and methodologies to support model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
  • Contribute to proposal development and program planning activities.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • Professional experience in a systems engineering role supporting requirements, design, manufacturing, and integration of systems
  • Professional experience working with MBSE tools and methodologies
  • Experience working on aerospace products

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Candidate with an active Top Secret/SCI clearance is highly desirable.
  • Technical Subject Matter Expertise in optical, electro-optical, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or equivalent engineering discipline.
  • Relevant experience with the design, manufacture, integration, test and sell-off of space-based EO/IR subsystems.
  • Cameo Systems/No Magic Model-based systems engineering (MBSE), SysML
  • Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
  • Ability to support program milestone reviews (SRR, SDR, PDR, CDR, FCA/PCA, PSR).
  • Ability to collaborate across all levels of leadership.
  • Work collaboratively with others and complete assignments with a team-oriented approach.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills – taking complex concepts and sharing with others.
  • Ability to architect an end-to-end space system with a full understanding of the product lifecycle.
  • Experience with project management aspects of technology development programs.
  • Experience with estimating and managing costs & creating and managing schedules

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $80,500.00 - $149,500.00 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.

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.