Optical Fabrication Technician (MRF & Conventional Polishing - 2nd, 3rd and Weekend Shift)

Requisition Number: 79314

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

Join our Fairport team as an Optical Fabrication Technician, where you’ll help manufacture precision optical components that support breakthrough products across industries. We are seeking candidates with 2+ years of hands-on experience in optical fabrication, specifically in MRF (Magnetorheological Finishing) and Conventional Polishing. This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise in an advanced manufacturing environment while contributing to high-performance optical solutions.

The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices.

Come break through at Corning. A career without limits; ready for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform optical fabrication processes for precision optical components.
• Operate and support MRF (Magnetorheological Finishing) equipment and processes.
• Perform conventional polishing on optical components to meet surface quality and figure requirements.
• Interpret blueprints, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Configure, set up, and operate fabrication and polishing equipment.
• Monitor and adjust process parameters within established standards.
• Perform quality tests, measurements, inspections, and metrology-related tasks.
• Troubleshoot fabrication processes and equipment issues.
• Prepare materials and components for production.
• Interface with plant systems (e.g., document control, manufacturing execution system, etc.).
• Maintain accurate records and communicate process updates effectively.
• Support housekeeping, autonomous maintenance, and clean work area standards.
• Actively engage with continuous improvement and cost reduction programs.
• Train peers on qualified operations as needed.
• Perform other Operations Associate job duties as required.

Who Thrives Here:

• Enjoys hands-on, detail-oriented technical work
• Has experience in precision optical fabrication and polishing
• Takes pride in craftsmanship, quality, and accuracy
• Communicates clearly and works well within a team environment
• Eager to learn, improve processes, and embrace manufacturing technology
• Values working in a diverse, supportive environment

Working Conditions:

• Climate-controlled facility
• Frequent light lifting (up to 5 lbs), occasional lifting up to 15 lbs
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required while on the manufacturing floor

What You’ll Need:

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• 2+ years of experience in optical fabrication (required)
• Hands-on experience with:
  • MRF (Magnetorheological Finishing)
  • Conventional Polishing
• Experience in precision manufacturing, optical finishing, or related field
• Ability to interpret work instructions, drawings, and process specifications
• Comfort with basic computer systems and willingness to learn new tools

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $30.25 hourly rate - $34.25 hourly rate with a $2 shift differential for hours worked on 2nd shift and a $3 shift differential for hours worked on 3rd shift.  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.

Corning Puts YOU First!

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial, and career from day one

• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows throughout your career.  We also offer a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions.  
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, and disease management programs. 
• Company-wide bonuses align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well – when Corning wins, we all win.     
• 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 peer-to-peer recognition program to celebrate success by recognizing colleagues who demonstrate above-and-beyond behaviors.   

Ready to shape the future with us? Apply today!