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Principal Optical Applications Engineer

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Date: Jul 23, 2026

Location: Fairport, NY, US, 14450

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 76590

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

This Principal Applications Engineer serves as a senior technical leader and strategic customer interface for Corning's Precision Optics business. The role is responsible for developing deep customer and market understanding, shaping technology and product roadmaps, leading cross-functional initiatives, and driving profitable growth with strategic accounts. The successful candidate acts as a trusted advisor to customers while influencing internal business, engineering, manufacturing, and development decisions

Roles and Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical leader for strategic customer accounts, developing trusted relationships across engineering, operations, and business organizations.
Develop deep understanding of customer applications, technology roadmaps, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and influence business strategy.
Lead cross-functional efforts involving Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams to deliver customer and business objectives.
Drive resolution of complex technical, quality, operational, and supply challenges while balancing customer requirements with business priorities.
Influence product, technology, and manufacturing roadmaps through customer insights, competitive intelligence, and market knowledge.
Lead technical negotiations involving specifications, qualifications, reliability, product changes, and long-term roadmap alignment.
Analyze product performance, customer requirements, and business trends to identify opportunities for growth, productivity improvements, and enhanced customer value.
Represent the voice of the customer within Corning while effectively communicating technical and business considerations to leadership.
Mentor and develop Applications Engineers while driving adoption of best practices, standard work, and technical excellence.
Represent Applications Engineering in customer reviews, strategic planning activities, and executive-level discussions.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline
Master’s degree (MS) in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred
Master’s in business administration (MBA) a plus

Work Experience

10+ years of experience in applications engineering, product engineering, optical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related customer-facing technical roles.
Proven success leading complex cross-functional initiatives and influencing strategic business decisions.
Experience managing strategic customer relationships and leading technical engagements with global customers.
Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.

Required Skills

Strong technical foundation in optics, optical systems, semiconductor applications, or precision manufacturing technologies.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills across technical, commercial, and executive audiences.
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead within a matrix organization.
Strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to connect customer needs to product, technology, and business opportunities.
Proven leadership of complex technical programs and cross-functional teams.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.

Desired Skills

Deep understanding of semiconductor equipment, precision optics, or adjacent high-technology markets
Experience serving as the technical lead for strategic customer accounts or major product lines.
Experience influencing product, technology, or manufacturing roadmaps.
Knowledge of reliability engineering, product lifecycle management, and change management processes
Experience leading global teams, complex development programs, or customer qualification efforts.
Strong commercial awareness with experience identifying new business opportunities and supporting growth initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with and present recommendations to senior leadership and customer executives.

Travel

Up to 25% – Both domestic and international.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $115,084.00 - $158,241.00 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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