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

Corning

Senior Staff Scientist - Optics

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Master's Degree in physics, optical engineering or electrical engineering and 10 years of relevant experience. * Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials * Ability to ...

Corning

Senior Staff Scientist - Optics

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Master's Degree in physics, optical engineering or electrical engineering and 10 years of relevant experience. * Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials * Ability to ...

Corning

Senior Staff Scientist - Optics

Fairport, NY · On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Master's Degree in physics, optical engineering or electrical engineering and 10 years of relevant experience. * Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials * Ability to ...

L3Harris Technologies

Software Engineers

Rochester, NY · On-site

Optical Engineers - Electro-optic systems * Software Engineers - Embedded, EO/IR (electro-optical ... we have senior level roles as well that require 12+ years experienced with a Bachelor's degree)

L3Harris Technologies

Project Engineers

Rochester, NY · On-site

Optical Engineers - Electro-optic systems * Software Engineers - Embedded, EO/IR (electro-optical ... we have senior level roles as well that require 12+ years experienced with a Bachelor's degree)

L3Harris Technologies

Project Engineers

Victor, NY · On-site

Optical Engineers - Electro-optic systems * Software Engineers - Embedded, EO/IR (electro-optical ... we have senior level roles as well that require 12+ years experienced with a Bachelor's degree)

L3Harris Technologies

Mechanical Engineers

Victor, NY · On-site

Optical Engineers - Electro-optic systems * Software Engineers - Embedded, EO/IR (electro-optical ... we have senior level roles as well that require 12+ years experienced with a Bachelor's degree)

L3Harris Technologies

Software Engineers

Victor, NY · On-site

Optical Engineers - Electro-optic systems * Software Engineers - Embedded, EO/IR (electro-optical ... we have senior level roles as well that require 12+ years experienced with a Bachelor's degree)

L3Harris Technologies

Systems Engineers

Victor, NY · On-site

Optical Engineers - Electro-optic systems * Software Engineers - Embedded, EO/IR (electro-optical ... we have senior level roles as well that require 12+ years experienced with a Bachelor's degree)

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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 17, 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.
Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Senior Staff Scientist - Optical Coatings

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$139K - $191K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 74368

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

Lead coating development projects for Advanced Optics, with a focus on Precision Optics (semiconductor inspection) and Laser Optics (lithography). This role drives new coating designs, improves existing coatings and processes, supports early-stage customer programs, and contributes to long-term coating technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop new coating designs for semiconductor inspection and lithography applications
  • Optimize coating designs and processes to improve performance, reliability, durability, and cost
  • Lead technical development for early-stage Precision Optics programs
  • Support long-term coating and surface technology initiatives with Research
  • Define and execute DOE plans, sample coating, testing, and analysis
  • Guide technicians and engineers across development coating platforms, including PVD, plasma-assisted PVD, IBS, magnetron sputtering, and ALD
  • Improve manufacturing performance through coating design, materials, fixtures, and metrology
  • Provide clear, proactive reporting and cross-functional technical support throughout development and production

Expertise:

  • Strong background in materials science, thin films, coating design, and optical coating processes
  • Experience with optical coatings across IR, visible, and DUV wavelengths; VUV/EUV knowledge is a plus
  • Familiarity with metrology tools such as ellipsometry, AFM, and optical performance testing
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Development, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Research teams
Experiences/Education - Required
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Material Science, or Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical), or equivalent, with at least 10 years of experience OR 15+ years of relevant experience will be required for non-Ph.D. applicants.
  • Strong problem-solving skills in complex materials, processes and equipment.
  • Deep expertise in physical vapor deposition methods (PVD) for optical thin films, and associated optical properties, microstructure, stress, distribution on non-flat complex shapes and influence of varying light energy interaction with substrates and films.
  • Strong technical skills in optical thin film design, materials selection, processing, characterization, and optical measurements via Spectroscopic Ellipsometry.
  • Experience in supporting or leading R&D project plans with business focus.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Knowledge of additional coating technologies including Plasma Assisted PVD, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Ion Beam Sputtering, Magnetron Sputtering, and Optical Monitoring Systems.
  • Experience in advanced metrology tools such as AFM, TOF-SIMS,  and PCI absorption analysis
  • Optical design knowlege beyond coating (modeling for complex assemblies of mirrors, lenses, prisms or assemblies)
  • Project management competencies
  • Team leadership experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $139,499.00 - $191,812.00 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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