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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Sr. Optical Applications Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

... This Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and customer support for key Precision Optics accounts while developing deep application knowledge and strong ...

Corning

Sr. Optical Applications Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

... This Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and customer support for key Precision Optics accounts while developing deep application knowledge and strong ...

New

Syop Holdings

Optical Technician

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

... Follow engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, procedures, process specifications ... We are open to hiring entry level, mid-level, or senior level candidate. Benefits: Medical, Dental ...

Corning

Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... a Sr. Staff Engineer, Optomechanical at our technology center in Rochester, NY . This role ...

Corning

Senior Process & Systems Engineer

Fairport, NY

$98K - $127K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... an experienced Senior Process & System Engineer to lead the development, scale-up, and ...

Syntec Optics

Senior Glass CNC Machinist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

Position Summary The Senior Glass CNC Machinist is responsible for programming, setting up ... or optics industry strongly preferred. • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and ...

IDEX

Lead Metrology Engineer

West Henrietta, NY

$98K - $129K/yr

One of business segments is called Life Science Optics and we are looking to add more talent to the team. The Lead Engineer, Metrology Engineering is a senior technical leader responsible for ...

IDEX Corporation

Lead Metrology Engineer

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

One of business segments is called Life Science Optics and we are looking to add more talent to the team. The Lead Engineer, Metrology Engineering is a senior technical leader responsible for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSr Optical Engineer JobsSr Optical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Sr Optical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do sr optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr optical engineer in Rochester, NY is $141,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Sr Optical Engineers?

Sr Optical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often lead projects involving optics for industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Senior Optical Engineers also collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, oversee the integration of optical technologies, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff. Their work ensures the performance, reliability, and innovation of optical products and systems.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Optical Engineer expect in their role?

As a Sr Optical Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, testing, and integration of optical systems for products such as imaging devices, sensors, or communication equipment. Collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers is common to ensure that optical components seamlessly integrate with other subsystems. You may also interact with product managers and manufacturing teams to meet technical requirements and production timelines. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, especially when troubleshooting system-level issues or optimizing performance across disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and optical simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies are vital for delivering high-performance optical systems and leading complex projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Sr Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSr Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, telecommunicationsOptical component manufacturers, research institutions

The main difference between a Sr Optical Engineer and an Optical Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and seniority. A Sr Optical Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on leadership roles, and oversees complex projects, whereas an Optical Engineer is often in the early to mid-career stage focusing on design and testing tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,696 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Sr. Optical Applications Engineer

Sr. Optical Applications Engineer

Corning

Fairport, NY

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 76573

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

This Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and customer support for key Precision Optics accounts while developing deep application knowledge and strong customer relationships. They serve as the primary technical interface between customers and Corning's engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial organizations to support business growth, customer satisfaction, product performance, and long-term strategic partnership.

Roles and Responsibilities
  • Develop a deep understanding of customer applications, product requirements, manufacturing processes, and technology roadmaps to support existing business and identify future opportunities. 
  • Serve as the primary technical interface for assigned customer accounts, building strong relationships within customer engineering, development, quality, and operations organizations. 
  • Provide technical support for customer inquiries, product qualifications, quality concerns, product changes, and operational escalations while ensuring timely issue resolution. 
  • Lead cross-functional teams involving Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Commercial organizations to address customer needs and achieve business objectives. 
  • Represent the customer perspective within Corning while effectively communicating technical, operational, and business considerations to customers. 
  • Analyze product performance, application requirements, customer feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for product improvements, cost reductions, and enhanced customer value. 
  • Support new product introductions, customer qualifications, roadmap discussions, and development activities that align customer needs with Corning capabilities. 
  • Maintain effective communication, documentation, and tracking of customer issues, opportunities, action items, and business risks.
Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree (BS) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Master's degree (MS) in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred
Work Experience
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in applications engineering, product engineering, optical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related technical roles. 
  • Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional engineering teams. 
  • Experience supporting product qualifications, problem solving, and technical issue resolution. 
  • Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.
Required Skills
  • Desire to "roll up sleeves" to work directly with customers and internal project teams.
  • Strong technical foundation in optics, optical systems, semiconductor applications, precision manufacturing, or related technologies. 
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage technical, commercial, and leadership audiences. 
  • Strong customer engagement and relationship-building capabilities. 
  • Ability to coordinate and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organization. 
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to translate customer requirements into actionable solutions. 
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Strong technical acumen combined with business awareness and customer focus. 
  • Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently with limited supervision.
Desired Skills
  • Strong understanding of optics and optical systems. 
  • Familiarity with semiconductor equipment, metrology, inspection, lithography, or adjacent industries. 
  • Experience supporting strategic customer accounts in a customer-facing technical role. 
  • Knowledge of reliability engineering, qualification processes, product lifecycle management, and change management. 
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects or technical initiatives. 
  • Familiarity with CRM tools and customer opportunity management processes. 
  • Ability to identify emerging customer needs, technology trends, and future business opportunities. 
  • Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to mentor junior engineers or project team members.
Travel
  • Up to 25% - Both domestic and international.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.


The range for this position is $96,254.00 - $132,349.00 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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