Senior Optical Applications Engineer

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. Our people break through limitations and expectations every day, helping move our company—and the world—forward. At Corning, you can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines.

Corning’s businesses accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets with trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, enhance connected devices, carry information at the speed of light, deliver richer display experiences, enable cleaner and safer transportation, and power low-cost solar energy solutions.

About the role

This Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and customer support for key Precision Optics accounts while developing deep application knowledge and strong customer relationships. They serve as the primary technical interface between customers and Corning's engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial organizations to support business growth, customer satisfaction, product performance, and long-term strategic partnership.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of customer applications, product requirements, manufacturing processes, and technology roadmaps to support existing business and identify future opportunities.
• Serve as the primary technical interface for assigned customer accounts, building strong relationships within customer engineering, development, quality, and operations organizations.
• Provide technical support for customer inquiries, product qualifications, quality concerns, product changes, and operational escalations while ensuring timely issue resolution.
• Lead cross-functional teams involving Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Commercial organizations to address customer needs and achieve business objectives.
• Represent the customer perspective within Corning while effectively communicating technical, operational, and business considerations to customers.
• Analyze product performance, application requirements, customer feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for product improvements, cost reductions, and enhanced customer value.
• Support new product introductions, customer qualifications, roadmap discussions, and development activities that align customer needs with Corning capabilities.
• Maintain effective communication, documentation, and tracking of customer issues, opportunities, action items, and business risks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master’s degree (MS) in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in applications engineering, product engineering, optical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related technical roles.
• Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience supporting product qualifications, problem solving, and technical issue resolution.
• Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.

Skills

• Desire to “roll up sleeves” to work directly with customers and internal project teams.
• Strong technical foundation in optics, optical systems, semiconductor applications, precision manufacturing, or related technologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage technical, commercial, and leadership audiences.
• Strong customer engagement and relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to coordinate and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to translate customer requirements into actionable solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong technical acumen combined with business awareness and customer focus.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently with limited supervision.

Desired Skills

• Strong understanding of optics and optical systems.
• Familiarity with semiconductor equipment, metrology, inspection, lithography, or adjacent industries.
• Experience supporting strategic customer accounts in a customer-facing technical role.
• Knowledge of reliability engineering, qualification processes, product lifecycle management, and change management.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects or technical initiatives.
• Familiarity with CRM tools and customer opportunity management processes.
• Ability to identify emerging customer needs, technology trends, and future business opportunities.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to mentor junior engineers or project team members.

Travel up to 25% – both domestic and international. This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Pay

The range for this position is $96,254.00 - $132,349.00 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 retirement contributions reaching between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid parental leave and family-building support.
• Fitness benefits and company-paid life insurance.
• Disability and disease management programs.
• Paid time off and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.