Senior R&D Optical Assembly Development Engineer (m/f)

Corning Incorporated; Stryków; On-site; PLN 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking an Optical Assembly Development Engineer to advance optical component and micro-optic assembly solutions in our R&D group. You will lead experiments, define robust approaches for high-volume manufacturing, and work with cross-functional teams to mature concepts from lab to production.

The role requires hands-on lab experience with optical components, strong problem-solving, and collaboration across international teams in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components and instrumentation.
• Experience with optical and micro-optical assemblies, including characterization and evaluation.
• Experience in designing and developing experimental setups and fixtures for optical applications.
• Good understanding of precision optical alignment including micro-alignment methods.
• Experience with data analysis and applying statistical methods to support decisions.
• Familiarity with quality and metrology standards.
• Very good command of English and Polish.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support R&D for optical assembly concepts for micro-optic components and systems.
• Design, build, and refine experimental setups for optical alignment and performance evaluation.
• Plan and execute experiments with international teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with metrology to define characterization strategies and interpret data.
• Develop methods for precision micro-alignments and material/joint selection.
• Analyze data to identify root causes and resolve engineering challenges.
• Contribute to technology advancement aligned with roadmaps and business priorities.
• Document findings and share knowledge across the organization.
• Drive innovation through publications, patents, and presentations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

English & Polish proficiency

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics/Optics/Photonics

Tools

Zemax

Python

C#

Job description

Requisition Number: 76909

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.

Optical Assembly Development Engineer

Role Purpose

We are looking for a skilled and innovative Optical Assembly Development Engineer to join our R&D organization. In this role, you will support the development of advanced optical component and module assembly solutions for next-generation connectivity applications, with a strong focus on micro-optics.

You will provide technical leadership in R&D activities related to optical assembly concepts, precision alignment, joining methods, and characterization of optical performance. Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams and the measurement/metrology group, you will help define, evaluate, and mature robust technical approaches that can be successfully implemented in high-volume manufacturing environments.

This position is well suited for an engineer with hands‑on laboratory experience, strong knowledge of optical components and micro-optic integration, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges through experimentation, analysis, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support R&D activities related to the development of optical assembly concepts for micro-optic components and systems.
• Design, build, and refine experimental setups and engineering approaches for optical alignment, joining, and performance evaluation.
• Plan and execute experiments in collaboration with international project teams and technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with the measurement/metrology group to define characterization strategies, evaluate measurement data, and ensure the required technical insight for development activities.
• Develop and apply methods for precision alignment of optical elements and subassemblies at micro-scale tolerances.
• Support the selection and evaluation of materials, fixtures, joining methods, and assembly strategies for optical applications.
• Analyze technical data, identify root causes of performance variation, and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Contribute to the advancement of optical technologies in line with technical roadmaps and business priorities.
• Document technical findings, provide clear recommendations, and share knowledge across the organization.
• Drive innovation through patent applications, technical publications, presentations, and knowledge sharing within the department.
• Support the transition of newly developed solutions from R&D into industrial implementation.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Hands‑on laboratory experience working with optical components and advanced optical instrumentation.
• Practical experience with optical and micro‑optical assemblies, including characterization and technical evaluation.
• Experience in designing and developing experimental setups, engineering fixtures, or technical workstations for optical applications.
• Good understanding of precision optical alignment, including micro‑alignment methods.
• Experience analyzing technical data and applying statistical methods to support engineering decisions.
• Experience working in accordance with quality and metrology standards.
• Very good command of English and Polish.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Practical knowledge of optical simulation tools such as Zemax or similar software.
• Experience with bonding of optical components.
• Programming skills in Python, C#, or similar languages.
• Experience with automation of laboratory, test, or characterization stations.
• Experience in industrial R&D projects or in transferring new technical solutions from development into manufacturing.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured and data‑driven approach.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Strong hands‑on engineering capability combined with attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and the ability to present technical topics clearly.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a strong drive for innovation and continuous improvement.

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] .