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Phd Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Fermilab

High Level RF Engineer

Batavia, NY

$88K - $116K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in an applicable Engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution with 4+ years of engineering experience, or a master's degree or PhD in an applicable Engineering ...

Corning

Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

MS degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanics, Precision Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant non-academic professional experience , or PhD with 5+ years of relevant ...

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Phd Engineer information

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

As a civil engineer, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically requires advanced experience, specialized skills, management roles, or working in high-paying sectors like infrastructure or consulting. Most civil engineers earn between $60,000 and $120,000 per year, with higher salaries possible in senior positions or with additional certifications. Achieving a $500,000 salary generally involves leadership responsibilities, project management, or working in lucrative markets.

What is a PhD Engineer?

A PhD Engineer is an individual who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in an engineering discipline. This advanced degree signifies deep expertise in a specialized area of engineering, often involving original research and the completion of a dissertation. PhD Engineers typically work in academia, research and development, or advanced industry roles where they contribute to scientific innovation and technological advancements. Their work often includes conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and mentoring students or junior engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Engineer, you need advanced expertise in engineering principles, research methodology, and problem-solving, typically supported by a doctoral degree in an engineering discipline. Familiarity with specialized technical tools, modeling software, data analysis platforms, and sometimes professional certifications are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, innovation, and strong communication skills set top PhD Engineers apart in collaborative and research-driven environments. These competencies are vital for driving technological advancements, publishing impactful research, and leading complex engineering projects.

What jobs can I get with a PhD in engineering?

A PhD in engineering qualifies individuals for research and development roles, university faculty positions, and advanced engineering positions in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and technology. These roles often require strong analytical skills, expertise in specialized tools or software, and the ability to lead complex projects or innovations.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand industries.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a PhD Engineer in an industrial setting?

PhD Engineers in industry often start in research and development roles, where they apply their advanced technical expertise to solve complex problems. Over time, they may progress into senior scientist or technical lead positions, and can also transition into management roles such as R&D manager or director. Career growth is often driven by demonstrated innovation, successful project leadership, and strong collaboration skills. Additionally, PhD Engineers frequently have opportunities to shape company strategy, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to patent portfolios.

What is the difference between Phd Engineer vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd EngineerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Engineering or related fieldPhD in relevant scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentIndustry labs, R&D departments, manufacturingAcademic labs, research institutions, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing firms, engineering firmsUniversities, government agencies, private research firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Phd Engineers and Research Scientists hold doctoral degrees and work in research-intensive environments. Phd Engineers typically focus on applied engineering projects within industry, while Research Scientists often work on fundamental scientific research in academic or government settings. The choice depends on whether you prefer industry application or scientific exploration.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, stock options, or working in high-demand industries like tech or energy.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Phd Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Phd Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Phd Engineer job openings:
Phd Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

Corning

Fairport, NY

$139K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74711

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 Sr. Staff Engineer, Optomechanical at our technology center in Rochester, NY. This role typically works M-F, 40+ hours per week with flex as needed and requires less than 10% travel.

Join Corning’s Advanced Optics Development team and help shape next-generation optical alignment and bonding technologies. In this senior-level, hands-on technical leadership role, you will lead the development of high-precision optomechanical systems, alignment strategies, and mounting approaches that support advanced optical applications. You will work across optics, mechanical design, materials, process, and manufacturing teams to mature new technologies from early development through engineering execution and manufacturing transfer.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the technical lead for optical alignment and bonding development efforts supporting Advanced Optics
  • Define, evaluate, and mature optomechanical alignment and mounting strategies across multiple technical approaches
  • Lead the design and analysis of precision optomechanical systems, assemblies, and components
  • Develop and validate prototypes using modeling, simulation, and experimental methods
  • Define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optomechanical solutions
  • Troubleshoot complex alignment, stability, and integration challenges in early-stage development environments
  • Provide technical direction across optics, mechanical, materials, and process/manufacturing teams
  • Develop long-term roadmaps for optical mounting, alignment, and bonding technologies within Advanced Optics
  • Mentor engineers and elevate technical rigor through best practices and direct engagement
  • Document technical work, present findings to stakeholders, and contribute to intellectual property where appropriate
  •  
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
  • MS degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanics, Precision Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant non-academic professional experience, or PhD with 5+ years of relevant non-academic professional experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in precision optomechanical design and alignment in micron- to sub-micron-level regimes
  • Experience spanning concept development, prototyping, and manufacturing transfer
  • Proven ability to work effectively in early-stage, ambiguous development environments
  • Clear communication skills across technical and leadership audiences
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
  • Experience designing optomechanical systems for advanced optical applications
  • Industry-related experience in optics or precision engineering within the optics field
  • Experience with optical systems involving highly precise lens alignment, mounting, and integration
  • Experience supporting sophisticated optical systems used in sensing, imaging, or laser-based manufacturing applications

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $139,499.00 - $191,812.00 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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