Optics Process Engineer at L3Harris

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Optics Process Engineer Job Code: 37211Job Location: Rochester, NYJob Schedule: 5/8 (Mon to Fri)Job Description:

L3Harris’s Optics department in Rochester, NY is seeking a dedicated Optical Process Engineer to support the production of top‑tier optical components for advanced astronomical, high‑energy laser, and earth‑imaging applications. As an Optical Process Engineer specializing in CNC fabrication, you will play a key role in developing and advancing machining processes used to manufacture mission‑critical optical components. You will leverage your expertise in CNC grinding and milling to improve performance, reliability, and throughput across our optical fabrication cell. This is a hands‑on engineering role where you will drive complex process initiatives, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and ensure our CNC machining operations meet demanding optical tolerances and production goals. You will have the opportunity to innovate, mentor others, and directly influence the quality and capability of next‑generation optical products.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining processes for high‑precision optical components, including grinding and milling of glass, crystals, ceramics, and optical metals
• Lead complex fabrication improvement projects that enhance precision, capability, and throughput
• Introduce new optical designs into manufacturing by creating process plans, selecting tooling, defining fixturing, and establishing inspection methods
• Apply structured problem‑solving to diagnose machining issues using root‑cause analysis, process data, and metrology results
• Partner with quality and metrology teams to verify process capability and ensure compliance with strict optical tolerances
• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, programming, and quality teams to standardize machining best practices and implement process innovations
• Provide technical coaching and daily support to engineers, technicians, and CNC programmers within the fabrication area
• Ability to obtain US Government security clearance

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Optical, or a related engineering field and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience; or a graduate degree and a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Strong, specialized knowledge of CNC optical fabrication consistent with senior‑level technical roles
• Expertise in CNC machining (3‑axis and 5‑axis), including grinding, milling, toolpath strategies, and machining dynamics
• Demonstrated ability to lead or own complex technical processes or projects
• Experience machining optical materials such as glass, crystals, or ceramics
• Proficiency with GD&T, SPC, process capability analysis, and root‑cause investigation
• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence adoption of process changes or improvements
• Experience with CNC machining platforms such as Opti Pro, DMG MORI, or Haas
• Understanding of advanced finishing technologies (MRF, CNC polishing, diamond turning)
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM (Mastercam) and CNC programming for complex or freeform surfaces
• Background in design for manufacturability (DFM) for optical components

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $84,000-$156,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The application window for this requisition is anticipated to close July 29, 2026.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.