Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

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 daily, 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.

Today, Corning accelerates and transforms 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 support low-cost solar energy solutions.

About the role

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Sr. Staff Engineer, Optomechanical at our technology center in Rochester, NY. This role typically works Monday through Friday, 40+ hours per week with flexibility 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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

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.

Pay

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.

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 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.