Optical Physicist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Precision Optics Development Engineer at our technology site in Rochester, NY. This role typically works 40+ hours per week with flex as needed. U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status is required for this position.

Shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Corning’s Advanced Optics group. In this role, you will lead hands‑on innovation in high‑precision optical fabrication, developing and optimizing advanced processes for mirrors, lenses, aspheres, and freeform optics used in next‑generation semiconductor inspection systems. You will work across Corning’s optics development environment to solve complex technical challenges and expand manufacturing capabilities for increasingly advanced optical systems.

You will use scientific and engineering methods to develop new process capabilities, analyze results, and support prototype manufacturing for cutting‑edge customer applications. Join a passionate, collaborative team where your technical expertise will drive real‑world impact and push the boundaries of what’s possible in optics.

• Develop and optimize advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates across flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeform surfaces
• Design and execute experiments using scientific and engineering principles to develop new capabilities
• Analyze experimental results and translate findings into actionable process improvements
• Manufacture prototype optics for advanced optical systems used by semiconductor equipment customers
• Identify, assess, and manage technical risks across development programs
• Communicate results clearly to peers, leaders, and technology partners
• Stay current on emerging technologies and process innovations in precision optics manufacturing
• Support expansion of manufacturing capabilities for more complex and higher‑performing optical systems
• Collaborate across R&D, development, and manufacturing teams to advance process readiness
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians

• Bachelor’s degree in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
• 5+ years of experience in high‑precision asphere fabrication for visible or DUV optical systems
• Proficiency with CNC platforms such as grinders, polishers, MRF, IBF, or sub‑aperture polishers on glasses and crystals
• Hands‑on experience reducing or smoothing mid‑spatial frequency errors
• Knowledgeable about optical metrology methods
• Record of accomplishment implementing new processes on schedule and within budget
• U.S. citizen or U.S. person required

• MS or PhD in optics, physics, or a related STEM field
• Experience with EUV or X-ray optics, diamond turning, or metal and alloy substrates
• Understanding of cleanroom environment protocols and optical surface cleaning processes
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis tools
• Proven ability to manage priorities across competing demands

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

Salary range: $119,542.00 – $164,370.00 assuming full‑time status. Starting pay will depend on location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives aligned with key business results
• 100% company‑paid pension benefit with fixed contributions and matching contributions to 401(k) savings plan, total contributions between 7% and 12% of pay
• Health and wellness benefits including 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)
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward 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 accommodations@corning.com.