Precision Optics Development Engineer

About the role

The Precision Optics Development Engineer plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing within Corning's Advanced Optics group. This individual leads 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.

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

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

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

Skills

• Scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities
• Analysis of experimental results
• Clear communication of results
• Staying current on emerging technologies and process innovations
• Collaboration across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams
• Mentoring junior engineers and technicians

Pay

$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.

Schedule

This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives
• Fixed contributions to a 100% company-paid pension benefit
• 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)
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues

Equal Opportunity Employer

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. We consider requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws.