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Photonics Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Photonics Engineer information

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$43.4K

$105K

$171.2K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

Are photonics engineers in demand?

Photonics engineers are in high demand due to the growing use of optical communication, laser systems, and photonic devices in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job prospects, especially for those with skills in optical design, fiber optics, and relevant certifications, as employment opportunities continue to expand with technological advancements.

How much does a photonics engineer make?

Photonics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-tech industries or research environments.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,968 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

2026 Technical Content Specialist - Photonics (R17

MKS

Rochester, NY • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


MKS Inc. rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

R17986 Technical Content Specialist – Photonics

A Day in Your Life at MKS

As a Technical Content Specialist - Photonics at MKS, you will collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and Corporate Marketing to create highquality, technically accurate content that showcases our photonics solutions and supports customer understanding. You will be responsible for developing engaging technical materials that help communicate the value, performance, and applications of our products. This onsite role is based at our Irvine, California facility, and you will report to the Senior Manager, Technical Content Marketing within the Strategic Marketing organization.

You Will Make an Impact By:

  • Developing clear, accurate, and compelling technical content such as application notes, product descriptions, white papers, technical guides, and educational resources.

  • Partnering with engineers, scientists, and product managers to gather technical insights and translate them into customerfocused messaging.

  • Supporting content needs for product launches, marketing campaigns, and lifecycle materials across multiple channels.

  • Ensuring all content aligns with brand standards, technical accuracy, and regulatory or compliance guidelines.

  • Helping maintain content libraries and documentation processes for version control, consistency, and crossfunctional accessibility.

  • Collaborating with the marketing and creative teams to support multimedia content such as diagrams, videos, and animations.

  • Using analytics and stakeholder feedback to refine and improve content effectiveness over time.

Skills You Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a related technical field.

  • 2–4 years of relevant experience in technical writing, content development, or technical marketing within photonics, optics, lasers, or other hightechnology sectors.

  • Strong ability to convert complex technical information into clear, engaging content for both technical and nontechnical audiences.

  • Experience collaborating with technical subjectmatter experts and crossfunctional teams.

  • Proficiency with content management systems, digital marketing tools, and basic analytics platforms.

  • Excellent written communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills:

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Photonics, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

  • Handson experience working with photonics systems, optics setups, lasers, or related instrumentation.

  • Familiarity with visual content development (diagrams, schematics, or basic multimedia editing).

  • Experience supporting product launches or global marketing campaigns.

  • Understanding of SEO and digital content best practices.

  • Strong organizational and projecttracking skills in a fastpaced, matrixed environment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

  • Standard office environment with extended periods of computer use.

  • Occasional travel to trade shows, internal sites, or customer locations may be required.

  • Ability to participate in meetings, interviews, and collaborative workshops across global teams.

While Irvine, CA is the preferred location for this position, we are open to considering candidates based in Beaverton, OR or Rochester, NY.

This position offers flexibility to work 3 days per week onsite and 2 days from your home office.

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time. 

Compensation and Benefits:  

Salary Pay Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.   

 Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable]. 

 Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act for Employers. 

#LI-EKI

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role


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About MKS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US

Year founded

1987