Corning Incorporated

Senior Optical Applications Engineer

Corning Incorporated$96K — $132K *
Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Master's degree in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred
  • 5+ years of experience in applications engineering, product engineering, or related technical roles
  • Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional engineering teams
  • Experience in semiconductor, optics, photonics, or precision manufacturing industries preferred

Responsibilities

  • Develop a deep understanding of customer applications and product requirements
  • Build strong relationships with customer engineering and operations teams
  • Provide technical support for customer inquiries and product qualifications
  • Lead cross-functional teams to address customer needs
  • Represent customer perspectives within Corning
  • Analyze product performance and market trends for opportunities
  • Support new product introductions and development activities

Benefits

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives based on business results
  • 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions and 401(k) matching
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • Recognition program to celebrate successes and appreciate exceptional contributions
Full Job Description
Requisition Number: 76573

Role Purpose

This Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and customer support for key Precision Optics accounts while developing deep application knowledge and strong customer relationships. They serve as the primary technical interface between customers and Corning's engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial organizations to support business growth, customer satisfaction, product performance, and long-term strategic partnership.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Develop a deep understanding of customer applications, product requirements, manufacturing processes, and technology roadmaps to support existing business and identify future opportunities.
  • Serve as the primary technical interface for assigned customer accounts, building strong relationships within customer engineering, development, quality, and operations organizations.
  • Provide technical support for customer inquiries, product qualifications, quality concerns, product changes, and operational escalations while ensuring timely issue resolution.
  • Lead cross-functional teams involving Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Commercial organizations to address customer needs and achieve business objectives.
  • Represent the customer perspective within Corning while effectively communicating technical, operational, and business considerations to customers.
  • Analyze product performance, application requirements, customer feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for product improvements, cost reductions, and enhanced customer value.
  • Support new product introductions, customer qualifications, roadmap discussions, and development activities that align customer needs with Corning capabilities.
  • Maintain effective communication, documentation, and tracking of customer issues, opportunities, action items, and business risks.


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


Work Experience

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in applications engineering, product engineering, optical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related technical roles.
  • Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Experience supporting product qualifications, problem solving, and technical issue resolution.
  • Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.


Required Skills

  • Desire to "roll up sleeves" to work directly with customers and internal project teams.
  • Strong technical foundation in optics, optical systems, semiconductor applications, precision manufacturing, or related technologies.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage technical, commercial, and leadership audiences.
  • Strong customer engagement and relationship-building capabilities.
  • Ability to coordinate and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organization.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to translate customer requirements into actionable solutions.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong technical acumen combined with business awareness and customer focus.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently with limited supervision.


Desired Skills
  • Strong understanding of optics and optical systems.
  • Familiarity with semiconductor equipment, metrology, inspection, lithography, or adjacent industries.
  • Experience supporting strategic customer accounts in a customer-facing technical role.
  • Knowledge of reliability engineering, qualification processes, product lifecycle management, and change management.
  • Experience leading cross-functional projects or technical initiatives.
  • Familiarity with CRM tools and customer opportunity management processes.
  • Ability to identify emerging customer needs, technology trends, and future business opportunities.
  • Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to mentor junior engineers or project team members.


Travel
  • Up to 25% - Both domestic and international.


This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $96,254.00 - $132,349.00 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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