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Precision Optics Development Engineer

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Date: May 5, 2026

Location: Fairport, NY, US, 14450

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 74712

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 Incorporated is hiring a Precision Optics Development Engineer 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 manufacturing in Corning’s Advanced Optics group. In this role, you will lead hands-on innovation in high-precision optical fabrication, developing and optimizing advanced processes for mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optics used in next-generation semiconductor inspection systems. You will work across Corning’s optics development environment to solve complex technical challenges and expand manufacturing capabilities for increasingly advanced optical systems. You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze results, and support prototype manufacturing for cutting-edge customer applications. Join a passionate, collaborative team where your technical expertise will drive real-world impact and push the boundaries of what’s possible in optics.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and optimize advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates across flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeform surfaces
Design and execute experiments using scientific and engineering principles to develop new capabilities
Analyze experimental results and translate findings into actionable process improvements
Manufacture prototype optics for advanced optical systems used by semiconductor equipment customers
Identify, assess, and manage technical risks across development programs
Communicate results clearly to peers, leaders, and technology partners
Stay current on emerging technologies and process innovations in precision optics manufacturing
Support expansion of manufacturing capabilities for more complex and higher-performing optical systems
Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness
Mentor junior engineers and technicians

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
5+ years of experience in high-precision asphere fabrication for visible or DUV optical systems
Proficiency with CNC platforms such as grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, or sub-aperture polishers on glasses and crystals
Hands-on experience reducing or smoothing mid-spatial frequency errors
Knowledgeable about optical metrology methods
Record of accomplishment implementing new processes on schedule and within budget
U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

MS or PhD in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
Experience with EUV or X-ray optics, diamond turning, or metal and alloy substrates
Understanding of cleanroom environments protocols and optical surface cleaning processes
Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools
Proven ability to manage priorities across competing demands

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 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.

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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