Program Manager - Optical Mounting Technologies

Corning Incorporated; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 155,994 - 214,493; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Long-term incentives

401(k) matching

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead the Optical Mounting Technologies portfolio within Advanced Optics, supporting Precision Optics and Aerospace & Defense applications. You will drive strategic development programs, define roadmaps, close capability gaps, and secure funding while balancing near-term product needs with long-term technology growth.

Collaborate across Research, Design, Manufacturing, and Business Leadership to deliver aligned, manufacturable

Qualifications

• MS with 10+ years of relevant experience or PhD with 5+ years.
• Proven program and portfolio management across multiple workstreams.
• Ability to evaluate tradeoffs, assess risks, and challenge assumptions.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and external collaborations.
• Willingness to travel <20% for strategic projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead adhesive and new materials development from lab-scale evaluations through plant testing, scale-up, manufacturing, and quality specifications.
• Ensure adhesive and material supply continuity through supplier management, second sourcing efforts, and coordinated technical responses in the event of supply interruptions.
• Develop and maintain the long-term Optical Mounting Technologies roadmap supporting Precision Optics and Aerospace & Defense objectives, identifying technology gaps and opportunities.
• Lead a portfolio of development programs spanning new adhesives for optical bonding, optomechanical integration, and non-polymer bonding technologies.
• Establish priorities, secure funding, and manage budgets to drive multi-year execution across the portfolio.
• Identify, justify, and help establish critical capabilities required to advance optics mounting technologies, including characterization and metrology methods.
• Champion the Precision Bonding & Assembly Center of Excellence, driving cross-business coordination between Advanced Optics and Corning Optical Communications.
• Lead cross-functional teams and external collaborations with suppliers, research organizations, equipment providers, and strategic partners.
• Provide regular program updates and executive communications to AO and business leadership, and supervise and develop assigned personnel.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Technical aptitude

Risk assessment

Budget management

Education

MS + 10 years

PhD + 5 years

Job description

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.

Requisition Number: 76705

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, Automotive, And Solar 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
• Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Role Purpose

Corning is seeking a Technical Program Manager to lead Advanced Optics' Optical Mounting Technologies portfolio supporting Precision Optics and Aerospace & Defense applications.

The role drives execution of strategic development programs, defines the optical mounting technology roadmap, identifies capability gaps, and secures funding. Key focus areas include supply continuity and manufacturing support for organic adhesives, development of next-generation adhesives and materials, and advancing future bonding and mounting technologies. The position balances near-term product and manufacturing needs with long-term technology development and capability growth.

Working across Research, Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Line Management, and Business Leadership, the Program Manager ensures critical technologies and capabilities are developed, aligned to business strategy, and successfully transitioned into products and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead adhesive and next-generation materials development from lab-scale evaluations through plant testing, scale-up, manufacturing, and quality specifications
• Ensure adhesive and material supply continuity through supplier management, second sourcing efforts, and coordinated technical responses in the event of supply interruptions
• Develop and maintain the long-term Optical Mounting Technologies roadmap supporting Precision Optics and Aerospace & Defense business objectives, identifying technology gaps and strategic development opportunities
• Lead a portfolio of development programs spanning new adhesives for optical bonding, optomechanical integration, and non-polymer bonding technologies
• Establish priorities, secure funding, and manage budgets to drive multi-year execution across the portfolio
• Identify, justify, and help establish critical capabilities required to advance optics mounting technologies, including characterization, reliability testing, and metrology methods
• Champion the Precision Bonding & Assembly Center of Excellence, driving cross-business coordination between Advanced Optics and Corning Optical Communications to align shared capabilities across a broad set of stakeholders
• Lead cross-functional teams and external collaborations with suppliers, research organizations, equipment providers, and strategic partners
• Provide regular program updates and executive communications to AO and business leadership, and supervise and develop assigned personnel

Experiences/Education - Required

• Advanced degree and relevant experience (MS + 10 years, PhD + 5 years) in materials, chemistry, physics, optomechanics, precision manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines
• Program and portfolio management skills with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple technical workstreams while maintaining alignment to long-term business strategy
• Proven technical aptitude with the ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs, identify key risks, and challenge assumptions across multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and external collaborations involving technical, manufacturing, commercial, supply chain, and business stakeholders
• Occasional travel <20% for strategic projects, internal meetings, customers, or other engagements.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Demonstrated ability to develop technology roadmaps and translate future business needs into executable technical programs
• Financial acumen to manage budgets, forecast spending, and justify capability investments
• Experience identifying and establishing new technical capabilities, organizational structures, and partnerships
• Comfort leading multidisciplinary efforts spanning organic and inorganic materials, optomechanical engineering, research, and manufacturing

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $155,994.00 - $214,493.00 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.

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] .