Precision Optics Development Engineer

Location: Fairport

Precision Optics Development Engineer

** Date:
** Jun 3, 2026

*
* Location:

** Fairport, NY, US, 14450

** Company:
** Corning

Requisition Number: 74712

** 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  
** Precision Optics Development Engineer
** at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works
** 40+ hours per week with flex as needed** .
** U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status is required
** for this position.

Shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Corning's  
** Advanced Optics
** group. In this role, you will lead 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** . You will work across Corning's optics development environment to solve complex technical challenges and expand manufacturing capabilities for increasingly advanced optical systems.

You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze results, and support prototype manufacturing for cutting-edge customer applications. Join a passionate, collaborative team where your technical expertise will drive real-world impact and push the boundaries of what's possible in optics.

** Key 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

** Minimum

Qualifications & Skills *
* + 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…