Senior Optical Communications Technician – R&D Lab

Corning Incorporated; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 78,274 - 107,628; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Pension plan

Health benefits

Paid parental leave

401(k) matching

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in the United States is seeking a dedicated R&D lab professional to support optical communications through independent lab execution, test setup, troubleshooting, and thorough documentation of results.

You will partner with engineers and researchers to build, run, adapt, and improve experimental setups that advance development work, while maintaining accurate lab records and safe, efficient operations.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent hands-on experience in optics, photonics, electronics, engineering technology, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience in a lab, manufacturing, test, or development environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a technical setting
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and equipment-handling skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, researchers, and cross-functional partners

Responsibilities

• Execute optical communications R&D experiments with independence
• Set up, operate, maintain, and adjust test equipment, optical components, and experimental systems
• Collect, organize, interpret, and document test data and observations
• Support prototype builds, fixture development, and lab configurations
• Troubleshoot equipment and test setups with limited direction
• Identify opportunities to improve lab methods, workflows, and test execution
• Maintain accurate lab records and support safe, efficient lab operations
• Partner with engineers and researchers to support project priorities, timelines, and problem-solving

Skills

Lab experience

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

Technical degree or equivalent

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Test equipment handling

Data collection

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: 76412

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
  
  

Purpose Of Position

Support applied research and development activities in optical communications through independent lab execution, test setup, troubleshooting, and technical documentation. This role partners with engineers and researchers to build, run, adapt, and improve experimental setups that advance development work.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute optical communications R&D experiments and lab activities with a higher level of independence
• Set up, operate, maintain, and adjust test equipment, optical components, and experimental systems
• Collect, organize, interpret, and document test data and observations
• Support prototype builds, fixture development, and modifications to lab configurations
• Troubleshoot equipment, test setups, and process issues with limited direction
• Identify opportunities to improve lab methods, workflows, and test execution
• Maintain accurate lab records and support safe, efficient lab operations
• Partners with engineers and researchers to support project priorities, timelines, and technical problem-solving
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent hands-on experience in optics, photonics, electronics, engineering technology, or related field
• 5 + years’ experience in a lab, manufacturing, test, or development environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a technical setting
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and equipment-handling skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, researchers, and cross-functional partners
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical communications, fiber optics, photonics, or related technologies
• Experience supporting experimental development in an R&D environment
• Familiarity with lab instrumentation, data collection, and technical reporting
• Experience adapting test setups or solving non-routine technical issues
  
  

Success Factors

• Strong technical judgment
• Independence and initiative
• Attention to detail
• Clear communication
• Practical problem-solving in a lab environment
  
  

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $78,274.00 - $107,628.00 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.
  
  

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, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• 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.
  
  

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] .