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Senior Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Senior Test Engineer (Optics) This role leads the optical characterization and test laboratory, maintaining and documenting existing test procedures while developing new methods that support Quality ...

SR R&D/PRODUCT DVL ENGINEER

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Join TE Connectivity's innovative Passive Optics organization as a Senior Mechanical Engineer and help design the next generation of precision optical connector systems powering AI and hyperscale ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Principal Optical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$80.9K

$153.4K

$211.6K

How much do senior principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal optical engineer in Rochester, NY is $153,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal optical engineer?

Senior Principal Optical Engineers are highly experienced professionals who design, develop, and oversee complex optical systems and technologies, such as lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. They typically lead advanced research projects, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical leadership in their organizations. Their expertise is crucial in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, defense, and consumer electronics, where precision and innovation in optics are essential. In addition to technical design, they often collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior principal optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically backed by an advanced degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and proficiency in simulation, modeling, and prototyping is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for overseeing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers. These abilities ensure the delivery of innovative optical solutions and successful project outcomes in highly technical environments.

What are some of the main challenges a senior principal optical engineer faces when leading cross-functional projects?

A Senior Principal Optical Engineer often leads complex projects that require coordinating with diverse teams, such as mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers. One common challenge is aligning differing technical requirements and timelines across departments while ensuring that optical performance meets stringent specifications. Effective communication and problem-solving are crucial, as unexpected integration issues or shifting project priorities can arise. Successfully navigating these challenges not only ensures project success but also positions the engineer as a key technical leader within the organization.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Optical EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field, professional certificationsBachelor's/Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, product development teamsDesign, integration, testing of optical systems in various industries
Industry UsageHigh-tech, aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsConsumer electronics, medical devices, industrial equipment

The Senior Principal Optical Engineer typically holds advanced degrees and leads complex optical projects, focusing on innovation and technical leadership. Optical Systems Engineers often work on designing and testing optical components and systems, supporting product development. While both roles require strong optical knowledge, the Senior Principal Optical Engineer is more senior, strategic, and research-oriented, whereas the Optical Systems Engineer is more hands-on and implementation-focused.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Senior Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Senior Principal Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Principal Optical Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $153,358 per year, or $73.7 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$97K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

Job Code: 42143

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking optical engineers in Rochester NY to work on a dynamic team to develop EO/IR solutions. They will have Engineering responsibilities supporting the synthesis, definition, analysis, design, development, integration & test of electro-optic systems for airborne and ground surveillance systems. Candidates will work closely with cross-functional members in engineering, manufacturing, & program management to design, develop & build high performance systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Optical Sensor System Analysis and Design, this includes developing new optical sensor payloads for both customer contracts and internal IR&D programs.
  • Utilize tools and procedures for Optical Design, Analysis, Integration and Test.
  • Provide Optical Engineering expertise to support manufacturing tasks and issues.
  • Document and control optical tools and procedures.
  • Develop and maintain technical connections and interactions with other optical Systems groups as well as relevant industry and academic groups.
  • Prepare design specifications, analyses and recommendations for presentation and approval through a formal review process.
  • Analyze, develop, and recommend design approaches to meet production requirements for new or improved products and/or processes.
  • Interface with mechanical, electrical, software and system engineers, providing engineering analysis and design from product inception to released fabrication drawings.
  • Provide support for product development and proposals for conceptual layouts and cost estimation.
  • Complete documentation and BOMs to support life cycle of new or improved designs.
  • Provide support for existing product designs through the production cycle by incorporating engineering change orders (ECO).
  • Ability to obtain US government security clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Knowledge of mathematical analysis codes (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, etc.).
  • Understanding of IR detectors (well fill, NUC, SNR, ...)
  • Understanding of radiometry (e.g. radiant intensity, NEI, ...)
  • Able to work Modtran to model relevant environments
  • Experience with systems testing of EO/IR products
  • Ability to work with algorithm developers and understand how optical HW and Algos work together
  • Knowledge of optical part fabrication processes
  • Knowledge of stabilization, guidance and control
  • Optical integration and troubleshooting
  • Engineering of aerospace products
  • Strong mechanical and geo-spatial comprehension skills
  • System modeling using Matlab/Simulink
  • Technical Acumen- Demonstrated through successful optical product and systems development experiences involving complex requirements and multi-discipline input (mechanical, electrical, software, etc).
  • Communication - Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills working in focused multi-discipline engineering teams. Preparing and presenting project status and results for technical and non-technical audiences for both internal and external reviews.
  • Creative Solutions - Direct contribution to technical solutions that integrate multiple disciplines or technologies into non-obvious system architectures that meet often-conflicting requirements.
  • Organization - Effectively plan, organize and manage projects with attention to details and project deadlines while maintaining a commitment to excellence and high standards.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $97,000 - $180,000. 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.

#LI-KT1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time