Precision Optics Development Engineer

Corning•Village of Fairport, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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