Principal Optical Applications Engineer

Corning•Village of Fairport, NY

1d•$115,084 - $158,241•Onsite

About The Position

This Principal Applications Engineer serves as a senior technical leader and strategic customer interface for Corning's Precision Optics business. The role is responsible for developing deep customer and market understanding, shaping technology and product roadmaps, leading cross-functional initiatives, and driving profitable growth with strategic accounts. The successful candidate acts as a trusted advisor to customers while influencing internal business, engineering, manufacturing, and development decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline
10+ years of experience in applications engineering, product engineering, optical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related customer-facing technical roles.
Proven success leading complex cross-functional initiatives and influencing strategic business decisions.
Experience managing strategic customer relationships and leading technical engagements with global customers.
Strong technical foundation in optics, optical systems, semiconductor applications, or precision manufacturing technologies.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills across technical, commercial, and executive audiences.
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead within a matrix organization.
Strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to connect customer needs to product, technology, and business opportunities.
Proven leadership of complex technical programs and cross-functional teams.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MS) in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred
Master’s in business administration (MBA) a plus
Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.
Deep understanding of semiconductor equipment, precision optics, or adjacent high-technology markets
Experience serving as the technical lead for strategic customer accounts or major product lines.
Experience influencing product, technology, or manufacturing roadmaps.
Knowledge of reliability engineering, product lifecycle management, and change management processes
Experience leading global teams, complex development programs, or customer qualification efforts.
Strong commercial awareness with experience identifying new business opportunities and supporting growth initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with and present recommendations to senior leadership and customer executives.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary technical leader for strategic customer accounts, developing trusted relationships across engineering, operations, and business organizations.
Develop deep understanding of customer applications, technology roadmaps, and market trends to identify growth opportunities and influence business strategy.
Lead cross-functional efforts involving Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams to deliver customer and business objectives.
Drive resolution of complex technical, quality, operational, and supply challenges while balancing customer requirements with business priorities.
Influence product, technology, and manufacturing roadmaps through customer insights, competitive intelligence, and market knowledge.
Lead technical negotiations involving specifications, qualifications, reliability, product changes, and long-term roadmap alignment.
Analyze product performance, customer requirements, and business trends to identify opportunities for growth, productivity improvements, and enhanced customer value.
Represent the voice of the customer within Corning while effectively communicating technical and business considerations to leadership.
Mentor and develop Applications Engineers while driving adoption of best practices, standard work, and technical excellence.
Represent Applications Engineering in customer reviews, strategic planning activities, and executive-level discussions.