Sr. Process Engineer – Precision Optics (Aspheric Focus)

Jaime Howley; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Talent Partners, LLC is seeking a Senior Process Engineer for the Rochester, NY onsite role focused on precision optics and aspheric surfaces. You will lead development and optimization of manufacturing processes, ensuring manufacturability, performance, and cost efficiency across fabrication, polishing, and metrology.

You will mentor junior engineers, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and stay current with optical fabrication technologies to drive continuous

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in precision manufacturing with a strong focus on optical fabrication and process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with aspheric optics manufacturing including grinding, polishing, and finishing processes.
• Strong understanding of optical metrology (interferometry, profilometry, CMMs).
• Experience interpreting optical drawings, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Proven ability to analyze process data and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading projects and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for precision optical components, including aspheric surfaces.
• Evaluate optical designs and customer requirements for manufacturability, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Drive process development projects across fabrication, polishing, and metrology.
• Establish and validate testing methods and process standards to ensure optical quality and compliance.
• Analyze process and metrology data (surface form, roughness, etc.) to identify trends and implement improvements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and customer stakeholders on complex optical challenges.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians, supporting team development.
• Maintain technical expertise in optical fabrication methods and emerging technologies.

Skills

Aspheric optics

Optical metrology

Grinding

Polishing

GD&T

CMMs

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Optical Engineering

Tools

Diamond turning equipment

MRF polishing equipment

Job description

Senior Process Engineer – Precision Optics (Aspheric Focus)

Location: Rochester, NY – Onsite | A-Shift

Industry: Advanced Precision Manufacturing (Optics/Photonics)

Compensation: $90K-$125K variable compensation

A leading, growth-oriented manufacturer in the advanced precision optics space is expanding its capabilities and seeking a Senior Process Engineer to play a critical role in driving innovation, process optimization, and technical excellence. This is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative environment where engineering expertise directly impacts cutting-edge optical components used across a variety of high-performance industries.

This role offers strong visibility within the organization and the chance to influence both current production and future-state manufacturing strategies. The company is known for its unique culture—blending technical rigor with a supportive, team-oriented environment—and is investing heavily in its people, technology, and long-term growth.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• High-impact role with direct influence on manufacturing strategy and performance
• Opportunity to lead complex engineering initiatives in advanced optics manufacturing
• Collaborative culture with strong cross-functional engagement
• Exposure to cutting-edge optical fabrication and metrology technologies
• Clear path for continued technical and leadership growth

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for precision optical components, including aspheric surfaces
• Evaluate optical designs and customer requirements for manufacturability, performance, and cost efficiency
• Drive process development projects across fabrication, polishing, and metrology
• Establish and validate testing methods and process standards to ensure optical quality and compliance
• Analyze process and metrology data (surface form, roughness, etc.) to identify trends and implement improvements
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and customer stakeholders on complex optical challenges
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians, supporting team development
• Maintain technical expertise in optical fabrication methods and emerging technologies

Must-Have Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in precision manufacturing, with a strong focus on optical fabrication and process engineering
• Hands-on experience with aspheric optics manufacturing, including grinding, polishing, and/or finishing processes
• Strong understanding of optical metrology (interferometry, profilometry, CMMs, or similar systems)
• Experience interpreting and working with optical drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
• Proven ability to analyze process data and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Demonstrated success leading projects and mentoring technical teams
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related discipline
• Experience with advanced optical fabrication techniques (e.g., diamond turning, MRF, sub-aperture polishing, etc.)
• Familiarity with optical materials (glass, ceramics, IR materials, etc.) and their processing considerations

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.