Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

Development Manager, Optical Fabrication

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 position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $147,037.00 - $202,176.00 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.

A job that shapes a life. Corning offers you the total package. Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one. Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.

As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.

Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.