Corning Incorporated

Principal Optical Applications Engineer

Corning Incorporated$115K — $158K *
Technical Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Master's degree in Optics, Engineering, or Material Science preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in applications engineering or related roles.
  • Proven success in leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
  • Experience managing strategic customer relationships and technical engagements.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary technical leader for strategic customer accounts.
  • Develop deep understanding of customer applications and market trends.
  • Lead cross-functional efforts to achieve customer and business objectives.
  • Drive resolution of complex challenges balancing customer and business priorities.
  • Influence product and technology roadmaps based on customer insights and competitive intelligence.

Benefits

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives tied to business performance.
  • 100% company-paid pension benefit with further contributions to 401(k) savings plan.
  • Comprehensive health and well-being benefits including medical and dental.
  • Employee recognition program to celebrate exceptional contributions.
Full Job Description
Requisition Number: 76590

Role Purpose

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

Roles and 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.


Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree (BS) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Master's degree (MS) in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred
  • Master's in business administration (MBA) a plus


Work Experience

  • 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.
  • Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.


Required Skills

  • 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.


Desired Skills

  • 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.


Travel

  • Up to 25% - Both domestic and international.


This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $115,084.00 - $158,241.00 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.


About Corning Incorporated

Corning Life Sciences provide high quality, innovative products for life science applications enabling people around the world to make and deliver life changing discoveries.

Corning Incorporated Careers

Join the visionary team at Corning Incorporated, a leader in materials science that has continually transformed industries and everyday life around the globe. At Corning, you will find a company committed to enhancing growth, innovation, and leadership within its workforce. This is an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a professional network that is dedicated to pioneering advancements in technology and science. Work You’ll Do At Corning Incorporated, your work will directly contribute to the company’s mission of delivering high-tech solutions in industries such as telecommunications, life sciences, and automotive. You will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, utilizing your skills to foster innovation and drive significant impacts on a global scale. Join our diverse team and embrace the challenge of developing unique solutions that make a difference in people’s lives every day. Corning’s inclusive culture and commitment to diversity training ensure that every team member’s voice is heard and valued, enhancing our collaborative environment. Career Growth and Opportunities Corning is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees, offering a wide range of job opportunities and career paths in various fields. Whether you are seeking a position in engineering, research, manufacturing, or business management, Corning provides the resources and support to thrive in your career. Internship programs at Corning are crafted to provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience, valuable networking opportunities, and a chance to make substantive contributions to ongoing projects. These internships often lead to full-time employment, thanks to the skills, experiences, and relationships developed during this critical period. Benefits and Culture Choosing a career at Corning Incorporated means opting for a life of innovation and continuous learning. The company offers competitive benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of its employees and their families. From comprehensive health care options and retirement plans to employee discounts and wellness programs, Corning is committed to enriching the lives of its team members. Our culture thrives on creativity, integrity, and dedication. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to maintaining a supportive environment where you can grow your career and feel an integral part of our success. Join Our Team Explore the numerous job opportunities at Corning Incorporated and find the position that aligns with your career ambitions and expertise. We are continuously hiring new talent and look forward to reviewing your resume and preparing you for an interview where you can showcase your unique qualifications. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest developments and career tips from Corning Incorporated by subscribing to our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives that can help you navigate your professional journey effectively. Apply Today Are you ready to advance your career at a company that is at the forefront of technological innovation? Search Corning jobs now and join a team that is reshaping industries and improving lives through material science. SEARCH CORNING JOBS At Corning Incorporated, we’re more than just a company – we’re a community. Harness the power of our collective knowledge and skills to propel your career forward. Discover the impact you can make on the world with Corning.
Learn more about Corning Incorporated
Size
61,200 employees
Market Cap
$26.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$512 million
Founded
1851
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$11.3 billion
NASDAQ

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