Scientist - Precision Mechanical - Optomechanical Systems

Corning Incorporated; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated at Sullivan Park in Corning, NY, is seeking a Staff Scientist or Senior Staff Scientist in Precision Mechanical / Optomechanical Systems to design and deliver optical connectivity solutions for AI and HPC.

The role requires deep expertise in optomechanics, precision mechanics, and leadership to translate complex needs into reliable hardware, guiding projects from concept through prototype to scalable manufacturing.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS with strong background in precision mechanical systems and optomechanics.
• Experience designing precision components and high-precision assemblies.
• Experience with tolerance analysis and alignment-sensitive systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of precision optomechanical components for advanced optical connectivity applications.
• Translate complex needs into practical design and execution decisions.
• Drive alignment, tolerance, fabrication, assembly, and integration challenges.

Skills

Optomechanics

Tolerance analysis

CAD

Modeling tools

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering/Optomechanical Engineering/Physics

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

LightTools

CAD software

Job description

Corning is hiring a Staff Scientist or Senior Staff Scientist – Precision Mechanical / Optomechanical Systems to join its Science & Technology organization at Sullivan Park in Corning, New York. As Corning’s flagship R&D campus, Sullivan Park is where scientists and engineers turn breakthrough ideas into the advanced materials, optical technologies, and hardware innovations that shape the future. This role is open at multiple levels, with level and compensation determined based on the selected candidate’s education, experience, technical depth, and demonstrated leadership.

In this role, you will help develop optical connectivity solutions for AI and high-performance computing, designing the precision components and assemblies that enable advanced optical hardware to be aligned, integrated, and manufactured reliably. This is a highly visible opportunity for a technical leader with deep expertise in precision mechanical systems, ideally with experience in optomechanics or similarly demanding hardware environments, who can apply strong engineering judgment to solve difficult technical challenges and help move next-generation technologies from concept to reality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of precision optomechanical components and assemblies for advanced optical connectivity applications
• Translate complex technical needs into practical design, development, and execution decisions
• Drive solutions for alignment, tolerance, precision fabrication, assembly, and integration challenges
• Partner across multidisciplinary teams in research, development, engineering, and manufacturing
• Use design analysis, modeling, experimentation, prototyping, and technical judgment to de-risk programs and improve performance
• Help move technologies from concept through prototype, validation, and scalable implementation
• Provide technical leadership, communicate clearly across teams, and help build long-term capability in the organization

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. in a related field with 5+ years of relevant industry experience; or B.S. in a related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience
• Industry experience in precision mechanical systems, optomechanics, or similarly demanding hardware environments
• Experience designing and developing precision components and high-precision assemblies
• Strong background in tolerance analysis, alignment-sensitive systems, and precision fabrication/assembly
• Experience using CAD, modeling, and engineering analysis tools to design and evaluate precision components and assemblies
• Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, LightTools, or similar platforms.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary technical teams
• Strong communication and technical problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. in a related field with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or B.S. in a related field with 12+ years of relevant industry experience
• Experience with optomechanical systems for AI/HPC or other advanced optical hardware applications
• Expertise in precision mechanics for optical or micro-optical systems
• Experience with optical connectivity hardware, fibers, connectors, or related interfaces
• Experience with prototyping, lab testing, and development through scalable implementation
• Demonstrated technical leadership through project leadership, functional leadership, or delivery of work with significant impact in complex R&D environments