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Optical Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Kelly Services

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY

$26 - $39/hr

Optical Fabricator - West Henrietta, NY Pay: $26.00 - $39.00/hour Schedule: Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Precision Work. Advanced Technology. Real Impact. We're seeking a detail-driven Optical ...

Kelly Services

Optical Fabricator

West Henrietta, NY

$26 - $39/hr

Optical Fabricator - West Henrietta, NY Pay: $26.00 - $39.00/hour Schedule: Monday - Friday | 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Precision Work. Advanced Technology. Real Impact. We're seeking a detail-driven Optical ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY

$112K - $155K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY

$112K - $155K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Corning

Optical Metrology Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

Corning

Optical Coating Engineer

Fairport, NY

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light * Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences * Auto ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Rochester, NY

Optical information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Rochester, NY is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist, and an Optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

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

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.
More about Optical jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Rochester, NY? For Optical jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Precision Optics Development Engineer

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74712
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:
  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose
Corning Incorporated is hiring a Precision Optics Development Engineer at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed. U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status is required for this position.
Shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Corning's Advanced Optics group. In this role, you will lead hands-on innovation in high-precision optical fabrication, developing and optimizing advanced processes for mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optics used in next-generation semiconductor inspection systems. You will work across Corning's optics development environment to solve complex technical challenges and expand manufacturing capabilities for increasingly advanced optical systems. You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze results, and support prototype manufacturing for cutting-edge customer applications. Join a passionate, collaborative team where your technical expertise will drive real-world impact and push the boundaries of what's possible in optics.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates across flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeform surfaces
  • Design and execute experiments using scientific and engineering principles to develop new capabilities
  • Analyze experimental results and translate findings into actionable process improvements
  • Manufacture prototype optics for advanced optical systems used by semiconductor equipment customers
  • Identify, assess, and manage technical risks across development programs
  • Communicate results clearly to peers, leaders, and technology partners
  • Stay current on emerging technologies and process innovations in precision optics manufacturing
  • Support expansion of manufacturing capabilities for more complex and higher-performing optical systems
  • Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians

Minimum Qualifications & Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
  • 5+ years of experience in high-precision asphere fabrication for visible or DUV optical systems
  • Proficiency with CNC platforms such as grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, or sub-aperture polishers on glasses and crystals
  • Hands-on experience reducing or smoothing mid-spatial frequency errors
  • Knowledgeable about optical metrology methods
  • Record of accomplishment implementing new processes on schedule and within budget
  • U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills
  • MS or PhD in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
  • Experience with EUV or X-ray optics, diamond turning, or metal and alloy substrates
  • Understanding of cleanroom environments protocols and optical surface cleaning processes
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools
  • Proven ability to manage priorities across competing demands

This position supports immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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