Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

Senior Staff Engineer, Optomechanical

Join Corning. 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. 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.

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 Sr. Staff Engineer, Optomechanical at our technology center in Rochester, NY. This role typically works M-F, 40+ hours per week with flex 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. You will work across optics, mechanical design, materials, process, and manufacturing teams to mature new technologies from early development through engineering execution and manufacturing transfer.

• 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

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.

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…