Development Technology Leader - Surface Engineering
Apply now »Date: Mar 13, 2026
Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 73791
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Corning’s businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:
- Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
- Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
- Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
- Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
- Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
- Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions
Role Purpose
Corning is seeking a Development Technology Leader to drive the next generation of Gorilla Glass® surface engineering technologies, with a primary focus on etching and optical surface treatments. This role provides technical and organizational leadership at the intersection of materials innovation, manufacturing scale‑up, and business impact.
In this position, you will lead multidisciplinary R&D teams to define product concepts, develop enabling technologies, and successfully transfer robust processes into high‑volume manufacturing. You will play a critical role in translating advanced materials science into scalable, profitable solutions that meet customer and market needs.
This role is ideal for a senior technical leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys mentoring others, and has a proven track record of delivering technology from concept through manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Technology & Product Leadership
- Define product design concepts informed by Voice of Customer (VOC) and targeted product offerings.
- Develop materials and process technologies and validate product performance against requirements.
- Build and execute technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives and cost targets.
- Provide clear technical recommendations to program leadership on tradeoffs, risks, and development paths.
Manufacturing Transfer & Scale-Up
- Develop scalable process capabilities, including internal and external metrology and pilot-line infrastructure.
- Lead the transfer of technologies to engineering and manufacturing organizations, both internally and externally.
- Ensure all transfer criteria are met, and formal receivership is achieved to support manufacturing scale-up and commercialization.
People & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing, global, cross-functional R&D team.
- Mentor and grow technical talent while fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Work closely with the Program Manager to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, risk, and deliverables across functions and geographies.
Strategic & Intellectual Property Contribution
- Develop and execute intellectual property (IP) strategies aligned with technology and business goals.
- Contribute to long-term technology planning and innovation pipelines for the Gorilla Glass business.
Experiences/Education - Required
- Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering; PhD strongly preferred.
- Strong background in optics and optical surface treatment engineering, including chemical etching and surface modification.
- Deep understanding of materials and process fundamentals, technology development, and product innovation.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience leading R&D teams and delivering new technologies into manufacturing environments.
- Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
- Up to 20% domestic and international travel
This position supports immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $126,226.00 - $173,562.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
- As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
- Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
- Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
US AMPS: Remove if not needed
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
- As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
- Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.
Nearest Major Market: Corning