Precision Optics Development Engineer

Precision Optics Development Engineer

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 optical metrology methods
• Record of accomplishment implementing new processes on schedule and within budget
• U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• MS or PhD in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
• Experience with EUV or X-ray optics, diamond turning, or metal and alloy substrates
• Understanding of cleanroom environments protocols and optical surface cleaning processes
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools
• Proven ability to manage priorities across competing demands

This position supports immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 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.