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

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 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 ...

Syntec Optics

Coating Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

This role working closely with other engineers and manufacturing staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Provide engineering support for PVD optical coating production, spanning development ...

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

Staff Optical Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do staff optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior optical engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually in high-paying industries such as defense, aerospace, or semiconductor manufacturing. These roles often require expertise in optical design, systems engineering, and proficiency with tools like Zemax or Code V, along with leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices. Their expertise in designing and developing optical systems, along with skills in optics simulation and CAD tools, makes them valuable in technology-driven industries with steady growth prospects.

What are Staff Optical Engineers?

Staff Optical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often lead technical projects, solve complex optical problems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring optical products from concept to production. Their work is critical in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Staff-level engineers typically have several years of experience and may mentor junior engineers or contribute to setting technical direction within their organizations.

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

To thrive as a Staff Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in optical design. Proficiency with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and familiarity with industry standards are commonly required, along with certifications like SPIE or OSA membership being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring product quality, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

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

AspectStaff Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience in optical design and testingBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign teams, manufacturing, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptical design firms, tech companies, manufacturing

While both roles involve optical design and testing, a Staff Optical Engineer typically has more experience, takes on leadership responsibilities, and works on complex projects. An Optical Engineer is often an entry to mid-level role focused on supporting optical development tasks.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical design, and certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or specialized research often offer such compensation, particularly for engineers with expertise in laser systems, imaging, or photonics and leadership responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Staff Optical Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Staff Optical Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop complex optical systems. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical language and have varying priorities. Additionally, integrating optical components within broader system constraints—such as size, weight, and power—can require creative problem-solving and compromise. Being proactive in cross-functional meetings and documenting requirements thoroughly can help mitigate these challenges and contribute to successful project outcomes.

How much do fiber optic engineers get paid?

Fiber optic engineers, including staff optical engineers, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optical design or testing may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.
What are popular job titles related to Staff Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Staff Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Staff Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Staff Optical Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
Staff Optical Engineer jobs near you
QED Optics Manufacturing Engineer

QED Optics Manufacturing Engineer

QED TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL LLC

Rochester, NY • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: QED Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Grade: 10

QED Technologies serves the precision optics industry. QED’s customers span the globe and include the world’s leading precision optics manufacturers. Based in Rochester, NY, QED is able to capitalize on the area's academic and industrial resources in the field of precision optics manufacturing and engineering to provide innovative products that set new standards in manufacturing precision optics. Please visit our web site https://qedtech.com for more information on QED Technologies.

Summary

Conducts the manufacture of precision optical components for a wide variety of customers by performing the following duties:

Quoting

  • Works closely with customers to gain an understanding of their technical and schedule needs, the details of their application, and any cost / performance trades.
  • Creates an engineering estimate for pricing and lead time that will be used to generate a quotation.

Manufacturing Engineering

  • Creates work instructions and monitors their execution by technician staff during optical component fabrication
  • Independently executes production work instructions from start to finish
  • Drives manufacturing process efficiencies through process parameter optimization
  • Designs metrology setups to support full aperture metrology of optical components, including fixturing and tooling that may be required. Develops error budgets to validate optical tests against customer requirements.
  • Analyzes surface/wavefront data acquired from various metrology setups to optimize process decisions.
  • Designs fixturing and tooling to support subaperture polishing processes
  • Trains others on the proper use and application of metrology and subaperture polishing equipment
  • Enters and maintains production order status in QED ERP system

Project-based Activities

  • Interacts with other engineering groups (software, systems, optical, mechanical, applications, etc) as needed to support project goals.
  • Prepares written technical reports and new technical proposals as needed for projects.
  • Interacts with customers to provide periodic status updates and support technical discussions.
  • Takes part in authoring technical papers and presenting at conferences.
  • Independently executes small projects as well as individual tasks on larger projects.

Qualifications

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical Skills:

  • Ability and experience with hand tools, measurement devices (calipers, Micrometers, Indicators, Gages etc).
  • Understanding of metrology setups and conventional fabrication techniques
  • Ability to draft work procedures and coordinate with technicians regarding processes and process improvements
  • Independently design, perform, analyze and communicate results of process improvements

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering or related field is preferred; 1 to 2 years of related experience in the aforementioned areas is desired*.

(* An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.).

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and Database software. Experience with CAD software to support fixture and tooling design is desired. The manufacturing engineer will be expected to become proficient with QED’s manufacturing and analysis software tools.


The candidate should be able to provide a minimum of 2 references.

Any technical papers a candidate has authored should also be submitted

The position will be based in Rochester, NY. Relocation will not be provided for this position.

QED Technologies International is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, but due to our ITAR status, we do not provide visa sponsorship. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and not require visa sponsorship now of in the future.

When not traveling, the Associate Field Service Engineer will be expected to work from the 1040 University Avenue, Rochester, NY location

QED offers a generous benefit package which in includes a discretionary bonus.