Senior Staff Scientist – Precision Mechanical / Optomechanical Systems

Corning; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

Pension plan

401(k) match

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Corning is hiring a Staff Scientist or Senior Staff Scientist — Precision Mechanical / Optomechanical Systems at Sullivan Park in Corning, NY. The role spans design, development, and integration of precision components for optical connectivity and AI/HPC hardware.

You will guide projects, conduct tolerance analyses, and collaborate with research, engineering, and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical/Optomechanical Engineering or Physics or related field with 2+ years of experience; or MS with 5+ years; or BS with 7+ years.
• Industry experience in precision mechanical systems or optomechanics.
• Experience designing precision components and high-precision assemblies.
• Strong background in tolerance analysis and alignment-sensitive systems.
• Experience with CAD, modeling, and engineering analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of precision optomechanical components for optical connectivity.
• Translate complex needs into practical design and execution decisions.
• Drive solutions for alignment, tolerance, and precision fabrication.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in R&D and manufacturing.
• Use analyses, experiments, prototyping to de-risk programs.
• Assist in moving concepts through prototype, validation, and scalable implementation.
• Provide technical leadership and clear communication across teams.

Skills

Precision mechanics

Optomechanics

CAD

Engineering analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

MS in related field

BS in related field

Tools

CAD tools

Modeling software

Engineering analysis tools

Job description

Requisition Number: 78019

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 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.

What You’ll Do

• 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
• 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

The range for this position is $100,206.00 – $153,885.00 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].