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Photonics Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... Photonics, Modem, EDA, DSP, MATLAB, Communication Systems, FPGA, Aerospace industry or Optical ... Engineering * Knowledge of Code V and/or Zemax software tools PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with ...

... optics, photonics, and precision manufacturing solutions. This role works closely with customers, engineering, operations, and leadership teams to support quoting activities, manage customer ...

Provide product demonstrations and support engineering center testing and measurement services ... TRIOPTICS became a member of the Jenoptik photonics group in 2020. TRIOPTICS offers an extensive ...

Work closely with engineers involved in the exciting field of Integrated Photonics and helping host visitors, guests and vendors visiting AIM Photonics. Requirements: Minimum Qualifications ...

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Photonics Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$43.4K

$105K

$171.2K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer in Rochester, NY is $104,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $130,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Photonics Engineer?

As a photonics engineer, you work with photo energy and technology to create new products and improve existing goods, such as barcode scanners, lasers, and fiber optics. Research and development are your primary responsibilities, but your other job duties include creating design plans for product innovations, testing and revising prototypes, determining solutions for existing issues, and seeking cost-effective alternatives for current technology. You need strong scientific and mathematical reasoning along with computer skills to perform well as a photonics engineer.

What does a Photonics Engineer do?

A Photonics Engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light (photons), such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. They work on applications in telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and defense. Their responsibilities may include researching new photonic materials, improving optical communication systems, and creating innovative technologies that use light for sensing or processing information. Photonics engineers often collaborate with other engineers and scientists to bring advanced optical solutions to a wide range of industries.

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

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laser systems, and laboratory instrumentation, as well as relevant certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative photonic devices and systems that meet complex technical requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and certain electrical or systems engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project management or innovation.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.

What are some typical collaborative projects a Photonics Engineer might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Photonics Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and materials scientists on projects such as designing optical communication systems, developing laser-based medical devices, or optimizing imaging technologies. These projects require integrating photonic components with electronic circuitry and software algorithms, making teamwork and cross-disciplinary communication essential. Regular meetings, prototype testing, and troubleshooting sessions are common, providing opportunities to learn from experts in related fields while ensuring that photonic solutions meet broader system requirements.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in photonics are a plusBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, tech companies focusing on laser, fiber optics, and photonic devicesResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense sectors working with optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies developing laser systems, fiber optics, photonic sensors, and integrated photonic circuitsOrganizations involved in optical communication, imaging systems, and optical component design

Photonics Engineers and Optical Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating on optical systems. However, Photonics Engineers typically focus more on the development and application of photonic devices and systems, while Optical Engineers may concentrate more on optical system design and integration. Both roles are vital in industries like telecommunications, defense, and research.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Photonics engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical systems, and working in high-demand industries such as defense, telecommunications, or aerospace. Senior roles often require specialized knowledge, certifications, and a strong background in optics, laser technology, and related tools.

What does a photonic engineer do?

A photonic engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light, such as lasers, optical fibers, and sensors. They work with optics, photonics components, and related technologies, often utilizing tools like CAD software and laboratory equipment, and may require knowledge of physics and electrical engineering. Their work supports telecommunications, medical devices, and imaging systems.
What are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Photonics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Photonics Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Photonics Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,968 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Process Development Engineer (Photonics)

Process Development Engineer (Photonics)

NY Creates

Rochester, NY • On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


NY Creates rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 72 rated research


Job description

About NY Creates: NY Creates serves as a bridge for advanced electronics, leads projects that advance R&D in emerging technologies, and generates the jobs of tomorrow. NY Creates also runs some of the most advanced facilities in the world, boasts more than 3,000 industry experts and faculty, and manages public and private investments of approximately $25 billion - placing it at the global epicenter of high-tech innovation and commercialization. Job Description: Position Summary, Process Development Engineer (Photonics) AIM Photonics is looking for a Process Development Engineer who will be hands-on working with advanced solder interconnect equipment and materials for the assembly of optoelectronic packages. AIM Photonics is one of nine United States Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes which are industry-driven, public-private partnerships that focus on the nation's premiere capabilities and expertise to capture critical global manufacturing leadership. AIM Photonics is headquarters at NY Creates in Albany, NY. The AIM Photonics Test, Assembly, and Packaging facility (TAP) is new state-of-the-art electronic photonic packaging facility in Rochester, NY. Photonics packaging is 90% of the cost of photonic products and can be a differentiator in the success of the final product. Key Responsibilities Develop interconnect processes and build heterogeneously integrated electronic and optoelectronic packages using state of the art equipment at TAP. Run DOE experiments to find best machine parameters to achieve successful builds of advanced packages. Such processes include flip chip, solder, attach, plasma cleaning, thermal compression bonding, additive printing, and dispensing. Evaluate and qualify materials including solders used in electronic and optoelectronic packages as required by customers' application. Work with high precision equipment to build parts with good solder interconnect integrity and reliability. Perform continuous inspection, characterization, and metrology of a process to make sure process is robust. Serve as a liaison with marketing, vendors, purchasing and customer on technical information Interpret failure analysis reports and cross-sections to understand solder joint integrity. Gather and analyze data: Conduct root cause and failure mode analysis to efficiently improve yields and device performance. Develop and perform semiconductor assembly processes such as: Active alignment fiber attach Optical component alignment Wafer Dicing Die pick/sort Other reasonable duties assigned. Requirements: Minimum Qualifications, Process Development Engineer (Photonics) Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, materials Science, engineering physics, or equivalent from a college or University accredited by the USDOE or internationally recognized accrediting organization. 3+ years of experience in fabrication, packaging, or semiconductor devices as well as experience in fiber attach, dicing, or wire bonding. This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check. Preferred Qualifications, Process Development Engineer (Photonics) Master's Degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineer, Materials Science, Engineering, Physics or equivalent from a college or University accredited by the USDOE or internationally recognized accrediting organization. Strong understanding of engineering and materials science fundamentals and a demonstrated aptitude to learn. Experience in cleanroom, high precision equipment, inspection, and characterization equipment in semiconductor assembly line. Experience in back-end assembly process including flip-chip bumping, thermal compression bonding, and solder reflow will be highly desirable. Experience with flux and fluxless soldering of eutectic solder alloys and intermetallic formation. Experience with failure analysis of solder joints Strict discipline to follow rules, specifications, have good attention to details as well as have good organization skills. DOE experience is a plus. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Don't meet every requirement? At NY Creates we are dedicated to building a welcoming team. If you are excited about working for NY Creates but your experience doesn't exactly align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway, you might still be a perfect fit for this or another role. Benefits Medical, Vision, and Dental Competitive Pay and PTO Flexible Heath Spending and Dependent Care Accounts Basic / Optional Life Insurance Post-Retirement Health Insurance Employer contribution of 7% of earnings to a Basic Retirement plan after meeting one year of service. Optional employee contributed retirement account. Location: 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203 Salary Range: $100,000-$135,000 Eng Level I $100,000-$110,000 Eng Level II $110,000-$120,000 Eng Level III $120,000-$135,000 *Posted salary rates are determined upon experience and education Additional Information: NOTE: Some positions require access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, or restricted programs where U.S. Government authorization may be required. For positions requiring such access, offers of employment are contingent upon the employer being able to obtain the necessary authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other government agencies. The decision to pursue an export license application is at The Research Foundation for SUNY's sole discretion. Proof of status may be required prior to employment in connection with necessary authorizations. Employment is with the Research Foundation for SUNY. The Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply please call Human Resources at 518-437-8686.

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