Sr. Optical Systems Engineer

Scope of Position:
This is an individual position that requires strong technical curiosity across many technologies, a desire for technical leadership, and the ability to learn and share with others. This position provides measurement solutions and support to a 24/7 manufacturing facility in Corning’s Optical Communications business to deliver best in class optical fiber to our customers. Supports drive to fundamental process understanding and lowest cost producer objectives. Supports the development and execution of plans to evaluate new technology or improvements in existing technology resulting in a superior product in terms of quality and/or cost.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
• Provide engineering-level support to optical measurement equipment throughout Optical Fiber facilities
• Solve process issues through data analysis, experimentation, and collaboration with subject matter experts.
• Provide engineering expertise for fundamental understanding of manufacturing issues.
• Lead and/or provide support for projects involving cost reduction, process optimization, and new products/processes.
• Understand process quality architecture internal/external risks.
• Provide trend analysis of key metrics and implement response plans.
• Actively engage in plant safety initiatives and projects.
• Recommend/implement improvements to processes and equipment.
• Identify chronic issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide leadership or support for startup of new equipment lines.
• Develop and update engineering and operations documentation.
• Provide training for operations workforce regarding equipment or operations changes.
• Design experiments and analyze data to identify and implement improvements to the measurement systems or production process.
• Serve as project lead and/or technical team member on equipment deployment/development projects.
• Assure quality and repeatability of processes and products.

Travel Requirements:
• 5 - 10% with some international travel required

Hours of work/work schedule/flextime:
• 40+ hours/week.
• Occasional unscheduled off-hours support driven by plant operational priorities.

Required Education:
• BS or MS in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or Physics.

Required Years and Area of Experience:
• 3-5+ years’ work experience in systems development, optical test equipment and/or manufacturing.

Required Skills:
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of basic optics and optical systems.
• Knowledge of basic electrical systems.
• Ability to learn new technology and processes quickly.
• Ability to work in technical project teams in leadership and team member roles.
• Able to make sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work on an independent basis in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work effectively on all levels of an organization.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Data retrieval, plotting and analysis.

Desired Skills:
• Knowledge of optical test and measurement techniques and equipment.
• Experience with set up and alignment of optical systems.
• Experience with computer-based measurement or automation equipment setup and support.
• Experience with Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Measurement Uncertainty Analysis.
• Experience with optical manufacturing, including assembly process & device testing.
• Experience in manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Matlab, Minitab, or other mathematical/statistical analysis tools.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or DMAIC project experience.

Soft Skills:
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong initiative.
• Accountable for actions/behaviors.
• Ability to work within a team environment (strong team player).
• Proven self-starter - able to effectively manage high levels of uncertainty and change.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Customer focused.
• Organized, can multi-task.