Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

Location: Fairport

Requisition Number: 74664

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 Development Manager, Optical Fabrication 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 optics manufacturing in this hands-on leadership role within Corning's Advanced Optics surface finishing and optical fabrication development group. You will work closely with the Optical Metrology Development Group Lead in support of Advanced Optics initiatives in Fairport, NY;
Keene, NH;
Canton, NY; and Sullivan Park Research Center in Corning, NY. In this role, you will translate business and product roadmaps into clear priorities and strong execution across optical fabrication development, while leading innovation, developing people, and helping keep Corning at the forefront of optical systems innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on optical fabrication development
• Translate business and product roadmaps into clear plans, priorities, and execution strategies
• Drive innovation in optical finishing and fabrication processes
• Manage schedules, budgets, technical risks, and tradeoff decisions across multiple priorities
• Partner closely with the Optical Metrology Development Group Lead, optical design teams, coating teams, and equipment vendors
• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships to support program goals
• Ensure effective transfer of development work into engineering and production
• Balance near-term execution with longer-term technology development needs
• Build an inclusive, accountable culture through coaching, onboarding, and performance management
• Reinforce a proactive safety mindset across the team

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• BS, MS, or PhD in Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in optical finishing and process development
• 3+ years of people leadership or technical team leadership experience
• Deep technical knowledge of high-precision optics fabrication technologies and methods
• Effective communication and listening skills
• U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience developing new fabrication process technologies and validating capability
• Record of accomplishment of delivering technological innovation on schedule and within budget
• Experience with business case development, value proposition validation, and technical risk management
• Familiarity with program management tools such as MS Project or equivalent
• Comfort using AI tools to support analysis, planning, or productivity

This…