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Senior Process Development Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119.54K - $164.37K/yr

You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze ... Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness * Mentor ...

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119.54K - $164.37K/yr

You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze ... Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness * Mentor ...

Process Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84.93K - $116.78K/yr

Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives * Damage ... Preferred Qualifications * 5-10 years of professional process engineering experience in optical ...

Process Engineer

Fairport, NY

$84.93K - $116.78K/yr

Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives * Damage ... Preferred Qualifications * 5-10 years of professional process engineering experience in optical ...

Process Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$84.93K - $116.78K/yr

Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives * Damage ... Preferred Qualifications * 5-10 years of professional process engineering experience in optical ...

We are looking for a Process Chemist to support large scale batch chemical manufacturing through a process engineering lens. The Process Chemist serves as the subject matter expert for assigned ...

New

Senior Systems Engineer

Rochester, NY

$103.20K - $141.20K/yr

Join our mission as a Senior Systems Engineer supporting R&D Automation and Middleware. In this ... and process development * Applies extensive technical expertise within one of the following ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Rochester, NY

$103.10K - $141.10K/yr

Join our mission as a Senior Systems Engineer supporting R&D Automation and Middleware. In this ... and process development * Applies extensive technical expertise within one of the following ...

Performs method validation and development from design to execution independent of supervision ... Suggests and leads process improvements to refine current systems and improve efficiencies.

Senior Development Chemist Who we are? We are a French pharmaceutical industrial group, recognized ... Suggests and leads process improvements to refine current systems and improve efficiencies.

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Process Development Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$74K

$119.6K

$168.3K

How much do senior process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior process development engineer in Rochester, NY is $119,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,700.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Process Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Process Development Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or mechanical engineering, process optimization, and project management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), and Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications is often required. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement. These skills are crucial for developing efficient, scalable processes that meet quality standards and business goals.

What are some common challenges a Senior Process Development Engineer may face when scaling up a new process from the lab to full production?

Senior Process Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality and consistency when transitioning from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale manufacturing. This process typically involves troubleshooting equipment limitations, optimizing process parameters, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, is crucial to address these challenges and achieve a smooth scale-up. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate unexpected issues that may arise during this transition.

What does a Senior Process Development Engineer do?

A Senior Process Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They often lead teams in scaling up processes from the laboratory to full production, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement new technologies or methods. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, quality assurance, and production, to ensure processes meet regulatory and safety standards. Their expertise helps companies maintain competitive advantages and meet production goals.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Process Development Engineers in specialized industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, complex project management, or working in high-demand sectors with competitive salaries.

What is the difference between Senior Process Development Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectSenior Process Development EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; experience in process developmentBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilities, cross-functional teamsManufacturing plants, production lines, process optimization teams
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotech, manufacturingManufacturing, chemical processing, consumer goods

The main difference is that Senior Process Development Engineers focus on developing and optimizing new processes, often in R&D settings, while Process Engineers typically oversee existing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and quality. Senior roles involve more strategic planning and innovation, whereas Process Engineers focus on day-to-day process operations.

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Senior Process Development Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Senior Process Development Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Process Development Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,556 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Precision Optics Development Engineer

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$119.54K - $164.37K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 512 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 74712

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​            
       

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

Come break through with us.  

Corning’s businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions
Role Purpose

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Precision Optics Development Engineer at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed. U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status is required for this position.

Shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Corning’s Advanced Optics group. In this role, you will lead hands-on innovation in high-precision optical fabrication, developing and optimizing advanced processes for mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optics used in next-generation semiconductor inspection systems. You will work across Corning’s optics development environment to solve complex technical challenges and expand manufacturing capabilities for increasingly advanced optical systems. You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze results, and support prototype manufacturing for cutting-edge customer applications. Join a passionate, collaborative team where your technical expertise will drive real-world impact and push the boundaries of what’s possible in optics.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates across flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeform surfaces
  • Design and execute experiments using scientific and engineering principles to develop new capabilities
  • Analyze experimental results and translate findings into actionable process improvements
  • Manufacture prototype optics for advanced optical systems used by semiconductor equipment customers
  • Identify, assess, and manage technical risks across development programs
  • Communicate results clearly to peers, leaders, and technology partners
  • Stay current on emerging technologies and process innovations in precision optics manufacturing
  • Support expansion of manufacturing capabilities for more complex and higher-performing optical systems
  • Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness
  • Mentor junior engineers and technicians
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
  • 5+ years of experience in high-precision asphere fabrication for visible or DUV optical systems
  • Proficiency with CNC platforms such as grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, or sub-aperture polishers on glasses and crystals
  • Hands-on experience reducing or smoothing mid-spatial frequency errors
  • Knowledgeable about optical metrology methods
  • Record of accomplishment implementing new processes on schedule and within budget
  • U.S. citizen or U.S. person required
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
  • MS or PhD in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
  • Experience with EUV or X-ray optics, diamond turning, or metal and alloy substrates
  • Understanding of cleanroom environments protocols and optical surface cleaning processes
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools
  • Proven ability to manage priorities across competing demands

This position supports immigration sponsorship.


The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


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