Sr. Optical Engineer

Jaime Howley; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance and learning

Job summary

Precision Talent Partners, LLC is seeking a Sr. Optical Engineer in the Rochester, NY area. The role focuses on designing and testing precision optical systems for aerospace, defense, and consumer tech, with on-site work and occasional travel.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team under the Director of Optical Engineering, contributing from early design through production and customer-facing discussions, with options for growth in advanced metrology and software tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or related discipline.
• Experience with optical design software, Zemax or Code V.
• Understanding of aberration theory and first-order optical layouts.
• Strong analytical and hands‑on engineering skills.
• Ability to document and communicate technical data.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems including lens design, tolerancing, specs, and test planning.
• Conduct optical design studies and feasibility assessments for new/existing applications.
• Test, troubleshoot, and evaluate prototype and production optical components.
• Collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, and process engineering teams to optimize performance.
• Use Zemax or Code V to refine designs and perform precise optical measurements.
• Develop experiments to evaluate material properties and optical performance.
• Support customer-driven design projects and design reviews.
• Create technical documentation for prototypes and production.

Skills

Optical design

Analytical thinking

Hands-on engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optics/Physics

Master’s or PhD in Optics (nice-to-have)

Tools

Zemax/Code V

MATLAB/Python (nice-to-have)

Job description

Sr. Optical Engineer

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

Industry: Advanced Optics | Precision Manufacturing | Aerospace & Defense

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

Compensation: Base salary commensurate with experience (estimated $120-$160k)plus 25% profit-sharing bonus, full benefits, and tuition assistance

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 an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies supporting industries such as aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics. From early-stage design and feasibility studies to hands-on testing and production, you’ll play an important role in developing precision optical solutions used in some of today’s most demanding applications.

Our client offers a highly collaborative, technically driven environment where engineers are encouraged to think creatively, solve challenging problems, and continue growing their expertise. Whether your strengths are in optical design, testing, or a combination of both, this role offers flexibility to evolve alongside your interests and capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems, including lens design, tolerancing, specifications, and test planning.
• Perform optical design studies and feasibility assessments for new and existing applications.
• Test, troubleshoot, and evaluate prototype and production optical components.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and process engineering teams to optimize optical performance.
• Utilize optical design software such as Zemax or Code V to develop and refine designs.
• Perform precision optical measurements and work with advanced metrology equipment.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate material properties and optical performance.
• Support customer-driven design projects, technical discussions, and design reviews.
• Develop technical documentation supporting prototype development and production processes.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with optical design software, preferably Zemax or Code V.
• Understanding of aberration theory and first-order optical layouts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with an interest in hands‑on engineering.
• Ability to collect, interpret, document, and communicate technical data.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Optics or a related field.
• Experience with imaging or non‑imaging optical systems.
• Optical metrology experience, including interferometry or MTF testing.
• Familiarity with ISO 10110 optical drawings and fabrication requirements.
• MATLAB or Python programming experience.
• Previous internship, co‑op, or professional experience in optical design or precision manufacturing.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Meaningful Technology: Contribute to advanced optical systems supporting innovative applications across multiple industries.
• Design Meets Hands‑On Engineering: See your work progress from concept and design through testing and manufacturing.
• High‑Impact Collaboration: Work directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams and gain exposure to customer‑facing technical discussions.
• Room to Grow: Shape your career toward increasingly complex optical design, hands‑on testing, or a combination of both.
• Strong Culture: Join an organization that values innovation, teamwork, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

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.