Sr. Optical Engineer

Jaime Howley; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing bonus (~25%)

Comprehensive medical, dental, and VIS

401(k) with employer match

Generous PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance and continuous学习

Job summary

Precision Talent Partners, LLC is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer in the Rochester, NY area. The role focuses on advanced optical design, prototype development, and next-generation manufacturing for precision optics used in aerospace and defense applications.

The successful candidate will lead design studies, tolerancing analyses, and manufacturability assessments while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Optics, Physics, or related technical discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred).
• 5–15 years’ experience in lens design (Zemax or Code V; Zemax preferred).
• Proven success in optical prototype design and build.
• Strong understanding of imaging and non-imaging optics, optical metrology, and quality metrics.
• Experience with interferometry, MTF testing, or related image quality assessments.

Responsibilities

• Assess customer specifications for feasibility and perform design studies and tolerancing analyses.
• Evaluate optical systems for manufacturability using existing equipment; recommend new tooling or test setups where required.
• Collaborate cross-functional to define requirements, develop test plans, and plan verification methods.
• Prepare and present design review materials to internal teams and customers.
• Support or lead testing of prototype lenses and optical assemblies.
• Participate in continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing across engineering disciplines.

Skills

Lens design experience

Imaging optics

Optical metrology

Interferometry

MTF testing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Optics/Physics or related

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Senior Optical Engineer

Location: Rochester, NY area (primarily on-site; ~10% travel to customer sites and industry events)

Industry: Precision Optics / Advanced Manufacturing / Aerospace & Defense

Reports to:Director of Optical Engineering (within a multidisciplinary team environment).

Compensation: Base salary commensurate with experience (estimated $120K–$160K)

About the Company

Our client is a U.S.-based leader in precision optical manufacturing, supplying high-performance lenses and optical components that enable breakthroughs across aerospace, defense, and consumer technologies. The company is known for its collaborative, innovation, driven culture, combining cutting-edge engineering with a genuine commitment to advancing technologies that impact the world.

Why This Role is Unique

This is a high-impact position at the intersection of advanced optical design, prototype development, and next-generation manufacturing. The Senior Optical Engineer will play a visible role in shaping optical systems used in pioneering applications—from satellite imaging to emerging consumer technologies—while contributing to a culture that values creativity, technical rigor, and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess customer specifications for feasibility and perform design studies and tolerancing analyses.
• Evaluate optical systems for manufacturability using existing equipment; recommend new tooling or test setups where required.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to define requirements, develop test plans, and plan verification methods.
• Prepare and present design review materials to internal teams and customers.
• Support or lead testing of prototype lenses and optical assemblies.
• Participate in continuous improvement and knowledge‑sharing across engineering disciplines.

Must-Have Qualifications

• B.S. in Optics, Physics, or a related technical discipline (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred).
• 5–15 years’ experience in lens design (Zemax or Code V; Zemax preferred).
• Proven success in optical prototype design and build.
• Strong understanding of imaging and non‑imaging optics, optical metrology, and quality metrics.
• Experience with interferometry, MTF testing, or related image quality assessments.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work cross-functionally.

Nice‑to‑Have Qualifications

• Experience with telescope or off‑axis design forms.
• Background in optical systems for space applications.
• Prior experience leading programs or small engineering teams.
• Familiarity with clean‑room protocols and ISO10110 optical drawings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Monthly profit‑sharing bonus (~25%).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Generous PTO and holidays.
• Tuition assistance and continuous learning support.
• Life and disability insurance, HSA options.

Precision Talent Partners, LLC values diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Employment is at-will, and this job description does not constitute a contract of employment.