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Principal Scientist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Livingston County, NY

Principal Typist

Geneseo, NY · On-site

$24.40 - $29.18/hr

A Principal Typist does related work as required. Examples of Duties * Supervises, plans, assigns ... science, business administration or a related field. * Graduation from high school or possession of ...

Livingston County

Principal Typist

Geneseo, NY

$24.40 - $29.18/hr

A Principal Typist does related work as required. Examples of Duties Supervises, plans, assigns and ... secretarial science, business administration or a related field. Graduation from high school or ...

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All JobsPrincipal Scientist JobsPrincipal Scientist Jobs in Rochester, NY

Principal Scientist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$67.6K

$142.1K

$188K

How much do principal scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal scientist in Rochester, NY is $142,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,900.00 and $166,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal scientist?

A principal scientist takes the lead in research and development on a project. Staff researchers turn to the principal scientist for guidance and direction. As a principal scientist, your job duties include developing the research strategies to be used on the project, directing the research of staff scientists assigned to the project, and monitoring the progress of the study. The principal scientist may also be required to report progress to management and the funding organization.

How much does a principal scientist earn?

A principal scientist typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and have extensive expertise in their field, which can influence salary levels.

Do you need a PhD to be a principal scientist?

A PhD is often required for a principal scientist role, especially in research-intensive fields, as it demonstrates advanced expertise and research skills. However, some organizations may consider candidates with extensive industry experience and a master's degree combined with a strong track record of accomplishments. Additional skills such as leadership, project management, and technical proficiency are also important for this position.

What is the difference between Principal Scientist vs Senior Scientist?

AspectPrincipal ScientistSenior Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or equivalent), extensive research experienceMaster's or PhD, significant research background
Work EnvironmentLeads research projects, strategic planning, cross-functional collaborationConducts experiments, data analysis, supports project goals
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, tech companiesResearch labs, R&D departments in similar industries

The main difference between a Principal Scientist and a Senior Scientist lies in their level of responsibility and scope. Principal Scientists typically lead research initiatives, set strategic directions, and have more experience, while Senior Scientists focus on executing research tasks and supporting project objectives. Both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, but Principal Scientists hold a higher leadership and strategic role within organizations.

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

To thrive as a Principal Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), and a solid track record of research accomplishments. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills are essential for mentoring teams and collaborating across departments. These competencies enable Principal Scientists to drive innovation, ensure scientific rigor, and deliver impactful research outcomes.

How does a principal scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research organization?

Principal Scientists often serve as key liaisons between research, development, and business units. They lead project teams, facilitate knowledge sharing, and ensure scientific strategies align with organizational goals. Collaboration may involve guiding junior scientists, working with regulatory affairs, and coordinating with manufacturing or quality assurance departments to translate research findings into practical applications. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Scientists must synthesize diverse perspectives to drive projects forward.
More about Principal Scientist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Scientist jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Principal Scientist jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Scientist jobs in Rochester, NY? For Principal Scientist jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Scientist jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Scientist jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Principal Scientist jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Principal Scientist job openings:
Principal Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Scientist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,089 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Senior Principal Scientist - Holographic Systems and Grating Fabrication

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$155.25 - $210/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position: Senior Principal Research Scientist, Holographic Systems & Grating Fabrication, MKS Newport’s Richardson Gratings

Overview

A Day in Your Life at MKS: As a Senior Principal Research Scientist, you will help shape the future of advanced photonics, leading breakthrough innovation in holographic diffraction gratings that power applications in spectroscopy, lasers, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, and scientific research. You will collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Commercial teams to transform novel concepts into next-generation products, from designing sophisticated grating architectures to driving cutting‑edge fabrication processes in cleanroom facilities.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and optimization of innovative holographic grating solutions using advanced optical modeling and simulation techniques (RCWA, FEA, physical optics). Push boundaries in diffraction efficiency, wavefront quality, spectral performance, and manufacturability.
  • Own the development and continual refinement of sophisticated interferometric exposure platforms. Design highly stable optical recording environments that enable precise, repeatable holographic fabrication while mitigating vibration, thermal effects, and environmental drift.
  • Lead advanced cleanroom processes spanning substrate preparation, photoresist coating, holographic exposure, development, etching, and thin‑film deposition. Transform breakthrough R&D concepts into scalable, robust manufacturing technologies.
  • Utilize state‑of‑the‑art characterization techniques (AFM, SEM, wavefront sensing, diffraction‑efficiency testing, custom optical metrology) to align fabricated structures with theoretical design intent.
  • Serve as a leading scientific authority for holographic optics and grating fabrication: develop patentable technologies, publish technical papers, influence technology roadmaps, and translate complex scientific concepts into actionable solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, elevating scientific excellence and fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous advancement.
Travel

Up to 10%.

Requirements
  • PhD in Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline (strongly preferred).
  • 12+ years of relevant scientific, research, and engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education, research accomplishments, publications, patents, and industry leadership.
Core Optical Expertise
  • Physical optics, interferometry, and holographic recording materials (photoresists).
  • Advanced cleanroom operations: photolithography, wet/dry etching, and thin‑film deposition techniques.
  • Metrology: wavefront sensors, custom Littrow efficiency benches, AFM, and SEM.
Software & Simulation
  • Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analytics, Zemax, CodeV, or similar optical design software.
Preferred Skills
  • Reactive Ion Beam Etching (RIBE) and replication techniques.
  • Hands‑on experience with AFM and SEM instrumentation.
  • Laser‑Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing for high‑power laser applications.
Benefits & Compensation
  • Salary Pay Range: $155,250 – $210,000 per year.
  • Discretionary annual bonus.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days (6 weeks fully paid parental leave), adoption assistance, tuition reimbursement, and potential participation in stock programs or signing bonuses.
Equal Opportunity Employer

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Certain positions may require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to ITAR/EAR; applicants may need to be U.S. persons. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

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