What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Scientist, Optical Connectivity Design position at Corning?
Date: Nov 6, 2025
Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 71862
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Corning’s businesses are ever evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, and automotive markets. We are changing the world with:
- Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
- Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
- Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
- Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
- Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
Scope of Position:
- Develop precision optical and mechanical systems, leveraging skills in tolerancing, DFM (Design for Manufacturability), and integration.
- Apply knowledge of optical alignment, mounting, and packaging concepts similar to those used in aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, automotive (LiDAR, ADAS), and scientific instrumentation industries.
- Evaluate, prototype, and test optomechanical solutions using CAD, FEA, and laboratory measurement tools.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in areas such as mechanical engineering, optical engineering, and manufacturing.
- Interface with vendors and suppliers to ensure component quality and manufacturability.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
- Innovate in the area of optical connectivity
- Coordinate design efforts with process and manufacturing engineers
- Instruct technicians how to perform required experiments
- Coordinate product evaluation with internal test labs
- Provide prototypes for and participate in voice-of-customer meetings
- Provide reliable solutions using analytical design and advanced problem-solving techniques
- Effectively communicate designs and performance data
- Meet project milestones and product cost targets
Required Education and Experience:
- MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 2 years of experience in optomechanical design for high-precision applications (e.g., telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, semiconductor equipment, automotive sensors, or scientific instrumentation).
- Hands-on experience with the design and testing of optical assemblies, lens mounts, precision actuators, and alignment mechanisms.
- Demonstrated ability to solve challenging technical problems by developing creative solutions with an understanding of the underlying engineering principles.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
Desired Skills:
- Knowledge of fabrication technologies such as precision machining and 3D printing
- Experience with high precision alignment stages, power meters, tunable lasers, spectrum analyzers
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent) and familiarity with FEA/thermal analysis.
- Programming skills for automated data acquisition and process controls using software such as LabVIEW and MATLAB
- Experience with adhesive technology
- Understanding of cleanroom protocols, vacuum systems, or micro-assembly (as relevant to semiconductor, medical, or aerospace environments)
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.
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.
We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.
Nearest Major Market: Corning
Salary : $119,542 - $164,370