Sr. Staff Engineer, Optomechanical
Apply now »Date: May 7, 2026
Location: Fairport, NY, US, 14450
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 74711
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 Sr. Staff Engineer, Optomechanical at our technology center in Rochester, NY. This role typically works M-F, 40+ hours per week with flex as needed and requires less than 10% travel.
Join Corning’s Advanced Optics Development team and help shape next-generation optical alignment and bonding technologies. In this senior-level, hands-on technical leadership role, you will lead the development of high-precision optomechanical systems, alignment strategies, and mounting approaches that support advanced optical applications. You will work across optics, mechanical design, materials, process, and manufacturing teams to mature new technologies from early development through engineering execution and manufacturing transfer.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the technical lead for optical alignment and bonding development efforts supporting Advanced Optics
- Define, evaluate, and mature optomechanical alignment and mounting strategies across multiple technical approaches
- Lead the design and analysis of precision optomechanical systems, assemblies, and components
- Develop and validate prototypes using modeling, simulation, and experimental methods
- Define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optomechanical solutions
- Troubleshoot complex alignment, stability, and integration challenges in early-stage development environments
- Provide technical direction across optics, mechanical, materials, and process/manufacturing teams
- Develop long-term roadmaps for optical mounting, alignment, and bonding technologies within Advanced Optics
- Mentor engineers and elevate technical rigor through best practices and direct engagement
- Document technical work, present findings to stakeholders, and contribute to intellectual property where appropriate
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
- MS degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanics, Precision Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant non-academic professional experience, or PhD with 5+ years of relevant non-academic professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in precision optomechanical design and alignment in micron- to sub-micron-level regimes
- Experience spanning concept development, prototyping, and manufacturing transfer
- Proven ability to work effectively in early-stage, ambiguous development environments
- Clear communication skills across technical and leadership audiences
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Experience designing optomechanical systems for advanced optical applications
- Industry-related experience in optics or precision engineering within the optics field
- Experience with optical systems involving highly precise lens alignment, mounting, and integration
- Experience supporting sophisticated optical systems used in sensing, imaging, or laser-based manufacturing applications
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $139,499.00 - $191,812.00 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