Principal Optical Applications Engineer

About the role

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.

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.

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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Pay

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.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with key business results.
• 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career.
• Matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, with total contributions reaching between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Comprehensive health and well-being benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, and paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.