Project Engineer Tooling Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Optics Process Engineer

Job Code: 37211

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 5/8 (Mon to Fri)

Job Description:

L3Harris's Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optical Process Engineer to support the production of toptier optical components for advanced astronomical, highenergy laser, and earthimaging applications. As an Optical Process Engineer specializing in CNC fabrication, you will play a key role in developing and advancing machining processes used to manufacture missioncritical optical components. You will leverage your expertise in CNC grinding and milling to improve performance, reliability, and throughput across our optical fabrication cell. This is a handson engineering role where you will drive complex process initiatives, collaborate with crossfunctional teams, and ensure our CNC machining operations meet demanding optical tolerances and production goals. You will have the opportunity to innovate, mentor others, and directly influence the quality and capability of nextgeneration optical products.

Essential Functions:

Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining processes for highprecision optical components, including grinding and milling of glass, crystals, ceramics, and optical metals
Lead complex fabrication improvement projects that enhance precision, capability, and throughput
Introduce new optical designs into manufacturing by creating process plans, selecting tooling, defining fixturing, and establishing inspection methods
Apply structured problemsolving to diagnose machining issues using rootcause analysis, process data, and metrology results
Partner with quality and metrology teams to verify process capability and ensure compliance with strict optical tolerances
Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, programming, and quality teams to standardize machining best practices and implement process innovations
Provide technical coaching and daily support to engineers, technicians, and CNC programmers within the fabrication area
Ability to obtain US Government security clearance

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Optical, or a related engineering field and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience; or a graduate degree and a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience

Preferred Additional Skills:

Strong, specialized knowledge of CNC optical fabrication consistent with seniorlevel technical roles
Expertise in CNC machining (3axis and 5axis), including grinding, milling, toolpath strategies, and machining dynamics
Demonstrated ability to lead or own complex technical processes or projects
Experience machining optical materials such as glass, crystals, or ceramics
Proficiency with GD&T, SPC, process capability analysis, and rootcause investigation
Ability to collaborate across functions and influence adoption of process changes or improvements
Experience with CNC machining platforms such as OptiPro, DMG MORI, or Haas
Understanding of advanced finishing technologies (MRF, CNC polishing, diamond turning)
Working knowledge of CAD/CAM (Mastercam) and CNC programming for complex or freeform surfaces
Background in design for manufacturability (DFM) for optical components

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $84,000-$156,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The application window for this requisition is anticipated to close July 29, 2026.

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