Program Manager - Optical Mounting Technologies

Corning•City of Corning, NY

2d•$155,994 - $214,493•Onsite

About The Position

Corning is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead Advanced Optics' Optical Mounting Technologies portfolio supporting Precision Optics and Aerospace & Defense applications. The role drives execution of strategic development programs, defines the optical mounting technology roadmap, identifies capability gaps, and secures funding. Key focus areas include supply continuity and manufacturing support for organic adhesives, development of next-generation adhesives and materials, and advancing future bonding and mounting technologies. The position balances near-term product and manufacturing needs with long-term technology development and capability growth. Working across Research, Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Line Management, and Business Leadership, the Program Manager ensures critical technologies and capabilities are developed, aligned to business strategy, and successfully transitioned into products and manufacturing.

Requirements

Advanced degree and relevant experience (MS + 10 years, PhD + 5 years) in materials, chemistry, physics, optomechanics, precision manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines
Program and portfolio management skills with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple technical workstreams while maintaining alignment to long-term business strategy
Proven technical aptitude with the ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs, identify key risks, and challenge assumptions across multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and external collaborations involving technical, manufacturing, commercial, supply chain, and business stakeholders
Occasional travel <20% for strategic projects, internal meetings, customers, or other engagements.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to develop technology roadmaps and translate future business needs into executable technical programs
Financial acumen to manage budgets, forecast spending, and justify capability investments
Experience identifying and establishing new technical capabilities, organizational structures, and partnerships
Comfort leading multidisciplinary efforts spanning organic and inorganic materials, optomechanical engineering, research, and manufacturing

Responsibilities

Lead adhesive and next-generation materials development from lab-scale evaluations through plant testing, scale-up, manufacturing, and quality specifications
Ensure adhesive and material supply continuity through supplier management, second sourcing efforts, and coordinated technical responses in the event of supply interruptions
Develop and maintain the long-term Optical Mounting Technologies roadmap supporting Precision Optics and Aerospace & Defense business objectives, identifying technology gaps and strategic development opportunities
Lead a portfolio of development programs spanning new adhesives for optical bonding, optomechanical integration, and non-polymer bonding technologies
Establish priorities, secure funding, and manage budgets to drive multi-year execution across the portfolio
Identify, justify, and help establish critical capabilities required to advance optics mounting technologies, including characterization, reliability testing, and metrology methods
Champion the Precision Bonding & Assembly Center of Excellence, driving cross-business coordination between Advanced Optics and Corning Optical Communications to align shared capabilities across a broad set of stakeholders
Lead cross-functional teams and external collaborations with suppliers, research organizations, equipment providers, and strategic partners
Provide regular program updates and executive communications to AO and business leadership, and supervise and develop assigned personnel