Senior R&D Engineer - Optical Measurement Systems

Corning Incorporated; gmina Stryków; On-site; PLN 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking an engineer to build measurement systems for precision optical components. You will own end-to-end measurement challenges, design testing solutions, and work hands-on in the lab and on the floor.

The role emphasizes self-directed problem solving and collaboration across global teams. Applicants should have a Master’s in a technical field, fluent Polish and strong English, and be willing to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical field required (optics, photonics, physics, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electronics, or related).
• Fluent Polish is mandatory and English is working language for global collaboration.
• Self-driven mindset with hands-on lab experience and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong grounding in statistical analysis and structured problem-solving (MSA, GR&R, DOE, SPC, or similar).
• Ability to travel internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Own measurement challenges end-to-end—from problem definition to test-system design and production deployment.
• Design and build optical testing solutions for fiber optic components and assemblies.
• Hands-on lab and floor work—build, wire, align, debug, and validate systems.
• Automate measurement workflows to create reliable, repeatable, data-rich tests.
• Lead experiments and root-cause investigations with cross-functional teams at multiple sites.
• Stay ahead of metrology tech and bring new techniques into the roadmap.
• Contribute to innovation portfolios through patents, papers, and conference talks.
• Occasional travel to partner sites across Europe, the US, and Asia as projects require.

Skills

Polish fluency

English proficiency

Lab prototyping

Statistical analysis

Structured problem-solving

Self-driven mindset

Willingness to travel

Open-ended problem solving

Hands-on attitude

Education

Master's degree in optics / photonics / physics / mechanical engineering / mechatronics / electronics or related

Tools

Python

Job description

Requisition Number: 75545

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.

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry. This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Help Us Build the Systems That Connect the World

Every video call, cloud service, and AI model running today depends on fiber optics moving data at the speed of light. We design and manufacture the cutting-edge optical components that make this possible — and we're looking for an engineer who wants to build the measurement systems that ensure these components meet the extreme precision standards of next-generation networks.

This isn't a role where you'll wait for assignments. You'll be handed high-impact deliverables and trusted to research, organize, and drive them to completion — making the technical calls along the way.

What You'll Do

• Own measurement challenges end-to-end — from defining the problem, through designing the test system, to deploying it on the production floor.
• Design and build optical testing solutions for fiber optic components and assemblies, often where no off-the-shelf solution exists.
• Get hands-on. This is a lab-and-floor role as much as a desk role — you'll build, wire, align, debug, and validate the systems you design.
• Automate measurement workflows — turning manual tests into reliable, repeatable, data-rich systems.
• Lead experiments and root-cause investigations in collaboration with process, product, and quality teams across multiple sites.
• Stay ahead of the curve on metrology technology and bring new techniques into our roadmap before we need them.
• Contribute to our innovation portfolio — patents, internal papers, and conference presentations are encouraged and supported.
• Travel occasionally to partner sites and suppliers across Europe, the US, and Asia as projects require.

What We're Looking For

We care more about how you think and what you've built than about the boxes you tick.

Must-have

• Master's degree in a technical field — optics, photonics, physics, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electronics, or related.
• Self-driven mindset: comfortable taking an open-ended problem, structuring it, and driving it to a result without close supervision.
• A hands-on attitude — you enjoy being in the lab, prototyping, and getting things working with your own hands.
• Solid grounding in statistical analysis and structured problem-solving (MSA, GR&R, DOE, SPC, or similar).
• Fluent Polish (mandatory) and strong English (our working language — most collaboration is with US and global teams).
• Willingness to travel internationally on occasion (Europe, US, Asia).

Nice To Have

• Experience developing measurement or test systems — optical, mechanical, or other metrology domains.
• Working knowledge of Python (full proficiency not required — we value the ability to learn and apply it).
• Background in fiber optics or photonics — but not required. The right candidate can be taught the fiber optics; we're hiring for engineering judgment and drive.
• Exposure to machine vision or image-based measurement techniques.
• A patent, publication, or conference talk you're proud of.

Why This Role

• Real ownership. You'll be the technical lead on your deliverables — not a cog in a workflow.
• A serious R&D environment. Modern lab, real budget for tooling, and a team that values rigorous engineering.
• Global exposure. You'll work daily with US and international colleagues, with opportunities to travel to partner sites in Europe, the US, and Asia.
• Growth. Patents, publications, and conferences are part of the job — not an afterthought.

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 pension benefit that grows throughout your career.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, multi-sport card, company-paid life insurance, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program 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.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail].