Sr. Technician, Optical Communications

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

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
• Partner 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

Compensation

The range for this position is $78,274.00 – $107,628.00 for full‑time status. Starting pay is dependent on a variety of job‑related factors such as location, market demand, experience, training, and education.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Benefits

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives aligned with key business results
• 100% company‑paid pension benefit with fixed contributions, plus matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan
• Health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, life insurance, disability insurance, disease‑management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Recognition program that celebrates successes and rewards exceptional contributions

EEO and Accommodation Statement

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].