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Precision Optics Engineering Department Head

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Date: Jul 22, 2026

Location: Fairport, NY, US, 14450

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 76707

 

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.  



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.

 

Role Purpose:

We are seeking a Precision Optics Engineering Department Head to lead three teams of engineers focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. This role is accountable for delivering stable, capable, and scalable processes that support production commitments, new product introductions (NPI), scrap/rework reduction, and capacity expansion.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the PO engineering teams (Optical Fabrication, Coating, Assembly & Test) consisting of engineering supervisors and process engineers.
  • Lead daily engineering support for production operations and drive resolution for process issues quickly across the PO engineering teams
  • Drive strong accountability, ownership, and empowerment across the PO engineering teams.
  • Own and drive the scrap and rework reduction project portfolio for PO.
  • Develop a balanced and capable engineering team by setting clear expectations, providing coaching and feedback, and developing engineering talent.
  • Champion Engineering Excellence initiatives.
  • Implement Plant Engineering Department strategy across the PO engineering teams.
  • Prepare and present communications to executive and leadership teams, as well as customers.
  • Enable PO product and capacity ramp through process readiness and equipment readiness.
  • Drive the PO engineering teams to improve yield, cycle time, scrap, and throughput.
  • Improve PCPD across the PO engineering teams to strengthen process control, documentation, data analysis, statistical process control, and standard work.


Required Experience and Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, with a preference for Mechanical, Optical or Chemical Engineering.
  • 10+ years in manufacturing or process engineering
  • 5+ years of leadership experience
  • Demonstrated problem solving leadership
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity to provide clear direction and next steps
  • Capricorn, PEx, Six Sigma, MEE, and/or KT trained

 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Masters’ degree
  • Experience with high-complexity manufacturing, optics, or thin film coatings.
  • Experience with NPI and volume ramps

 

Work Hours: 

  • Standard hours (Monday – Friday,  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) 
  • Flexible hours may be required to support off-hour and/or weekend operation requirements 

 

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

 

The range for this position is $136,243.00 - $187,335.00 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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