Sr. Optical Applications Engineer

Sr. Optical Applications Engineer

Role Purpose

This Senior Applications Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership and customer support for key Precision Optics accounts while developing deep application knowledge and strong customer relationships. They serve as the primary technical interface between customers and Corning's engineering, manufacturing, quality, and commercial organizations to support business growth, customer satisfaction, product performance, and long-term strategic partnership.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of customer applications, product requirements, manufacturing processes, and technology roadmaps to support existing business and identify future opportunities.

• Serve as the primary technical interface for assigned customer accounts, building strong relationships within customer engineering, development, quality, and operations organizations.

• Provide technical support for customer inquiries, product qualifications, quality concerns, product changes, and operational escalations while ensuring timely issue resolution.

• Lead cross-functional teams involving Applications Engineering, Product Engineering, Development, Manufacturing, Quality, and Commercial organizations to address customer needs and achieve business objectives.

• Represent the customer perspective within Corning while effectively communicating technical, operational, and business considerations to customers.

• Analyze product performance, application requirements, customer feedback, and market trends to identify opportunities for product improvements, cost reductions, and enhanced customer value.

• Support new product introductions, customer qualifications, roadmap discussions, and development activities that align customer needs with Corning capabilities.

• Maintain effective communication, documentation, and tracking of customer issues, opportunities, action items, and business risks.

• Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related discipline

• Master’s degree (MS) in Optics or Engineering or Material Science preferred

• Work Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience in applications engineering, product engineering, optical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related technical roles.

• Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional engineering teams.

• Experience supporting product qualifications, problem solving, and technical issue resolution.

• Semiconductor, optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.

Required Skills

• Desire to “roll up sleeves” to work directly with customers and internal project teams.

• Strong technical foundation in optics, optical systems, semiconductor applications, precision manufacturing, or related technologies.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively engage technical, commercial, and leadership audiences.

• Strong customer engagement and relationship-building capabilities.

• Ability to coordinate and influence cross-functional teams within a matrix organization.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to translate customer requirements into actionable solutions.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong technical acumen combined with business awareness and customer focus.

• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently with limited supervision.

• Desired Skills

• Strong understanding of optics and optical systems.

• Familiarity with semiconductor equipment, metrology, inspection, lithography, or adjacent industries.

• Experience supporting strategic customer accounts in a customer-facing technical role.

• Knowledge of reliability engineering, qualification processes, product lifecycle management, and change management.

• Experience leading cross-functional projects or technical initiatives.

• Familiarity with CRM tools and customer opportunity management processes.

• Ability to identify emerging customer needs, technology trends, and future business opportunities.

• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to mentor junior engineers or project team members.

• Travel

• Up to 25% – Both domestic and international.

• This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

• The range for this position is $96,254.00 - $132,349.00 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