Principal Scientist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Holographic Systems & Grating Fabrication at MKS Newport's Richardson Gratings, you will help shape the future of advanced photonics. Lead breakthrough innovation in holographic diffraction gratings that power some of the world's most demanding applications in spectroscopy, lasers, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, and scientific research.
Working at the intersection of optical physics, nanofabrication, and advanced manufacturing, 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 the cleanroom, your work will directly influence the performance limits of optical systems used around the globe.
You Will Make an Impact By:
Working on technologies that expand the limits of optical performance while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in photonics. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives on solving difficult problems, translating theory into reality, and leaving a lasting impact on the future of holographic and diffractive optical technologies.
Advance the Science of Diffraction Gratings

• Lead the design and optimization of innovative holographic grating solutions using advanced optical modeling and simulation techniques. Apply tools such as RCWA, FEA, and physical optics methods to push boundaries in diffraction efficiency, wavefront quality, spectral performance, and manufacturability.

Engineer World-Class Holographic Recording Systems

• 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.

Drive Next-Generation Nanofabrication

• 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.

Unlock Performance Through Precision Metrology

• Utilize state-of-the-art characterization techniques to validate and improve grating performance. Leverage AFM, SEM, wavefront sensing, diffraction efficiency testing, and custom optical metrology systems to align fabricated structures with theoretical design intent.

Shape Technology Strategy and Innovation

• 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 for engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams.

Mentor and Inspire

• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, elevating scientific excellence and fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous advancement.

Travel: Up to 10%
What You Bring:

• PhD in Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline strongly preferred. We are seeking a technical expert with a record of impact in holographic diffraction grating fabrication.
• Candidates should possess 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: Expertise in physical optics, interferometry, and holographic recording materials (photoresists).
• Software & Simulation: We are open to experience with tools like MATLAB or Python for data analytics, Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software.
• Cleanroom Operations: Experience with photolithography, wet/dry etching, and thin-film deposition techniques.
• Metrology Tools: Understanding the physics and best practice of diffraction gratings. Ideally experience utilizing wavefront sensors, custom Littrow efficiency benches, and advanced analytical tools like Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Specialized Testing: General competency in thin-film and optical characterization.

Preferred Skills: (Optional)

• Reactive Ion Beam Etching (RIBE); replication techniques.
• Hands-on experience with AFM and SEM instrumentation.
• Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing for high-power laser applications.

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.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range:
Total Base Pay Range $155,250.00 - $210,000.00 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, 12 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.].
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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