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Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

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Date: May 5, 2026

Location: Fairport, NY, US, 14450

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 74664

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 Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering division (MTE) is recognized as the leader in engineering excellence & innovative manufacturing technologies by providing diverse skills to Corning’s existing & emerging businesses.

We anticipate & provide timely, valued, leading edge manufacturing technologies and engineering expertise. We partner with Corning’s businesses and the Science & Technology division. Together we create and sustain Corning’s manufacturing as a differential advantage.

Role Purpose

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Development Manager, Optical Fabrication at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed. U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status is required for this position.

Shape the future of advanced optics manufacturing in this hands-on leadership role within Corning’s Advanced Optics surface finishing and optical fabrication development group. You will work closely with the Optical Metrology Development Group Lead in support of Advanced Optics initiatives in Fairport, NY; Keene, NH; Canton, NY; and Sullivan Park Research Center in Corning, NY. In this role, you will translate business and product roadmaps into clear priorities and strong execution across optical fabrication development, while leading innovation, developing people, and helping keep Corning at the forefront of optical systems innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on optical fabrication development
Translate business and product roadmaps into clear plans, priorities, and execution strategies
Drive innovation in optical finishing and fabrication processes
Manage schedules, budgets, technical risks, and tradeoff decisions across multiple priorities
Partner closely with the Optical Metrology Development Group Lead, optical design teams, coating teams, and equipment vendors
Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships to support program goals
Ensure effective transfer of development work into engineering and production
Balance near-term execution with longer-term technology development needs
Build an inclusive, accountable culture through coaching, onboarding, and performance management
Reinforce a proactive safety mindset across the team

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

BS, MS, or PhD in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
8+ years of experience in optical finishing and process development
3+ years of people leadership or technical team leadership experience
Deep technical knowledge of high-precision optics fabrication technologies and methods
Effective communication and listening skills
U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Experience developing new fabrication process technologies and validating capability
Record of accomplishment of delivering technological innovation on schedule and within budget
Experience with business case development, value proposition validation, and technical risk management
Familiarity with program management tools such as MS Project or equivalent
Comfort using AI tools to support analysis, planning, or productivity

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $147,037.00 - $202,176.00 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.

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: Rochester

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