Optical Design Intern - Summer 2027
Job description
Requisition Number: 78092
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.
As a leading developer, manufacturer, and global supplier of scientific laboratory products for 100 years, Corning’s Life Sciences segment collaborates with researchers seeking new approaches to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and compress timelines in the drug discovery process. Using unique expertise in the fields of materials science, surface science, optics, biochemistry and biology, the segment provides innovative solutions that improve productivity and enable breakthrough discoveries.
Scope of Position
Summer engineering intern position to support the manufacturing and engineering of world-class, high-precision optical systems in Corning's Advanced Optics division. The summer intern will work with Corning Fairport’s optical design team to model, tolerance and analyze complex optical systems from concept to completion.
Program Perks
- Competitive salaries
- Assistance with housing and travel
- Meaningful project and final project presentation
Intern Activities
- Social and networking opportunities
- Weekly tech talks
- Community involvement
Requirements
- BS or MS Candidate, having completed at least three years' higher education.
- Coursework in geometrical optics, physical optics, aberration theory and interferometry.
- Working knowledge of analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or Visual Basic programming in Excel.
- Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Experience with major optical design software desired (e.g. CODE V, Zemax, LightTools, etc.).
- Must be available for 10 weeks during Summer 2027 (May-August 2027) with a graduation date of December 2027 or later
- Be interested in working for Corning, Inc after graduation, if presented with a full-time job opportunity.
- Be willing to work at the posted job location
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $1,635.00 - $3,185.00 biweekly. Starting pay for the successful applicant is prescribed based on geographic location, nature of position, and year in school.
A job that shapes a life.
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 [email protected].
Skills mentioned

At Corning Incorporated, we are at the forefront of materials science, driving innovation that transforms industries and enhances everyday life. For over 170 years, our relentless pursuit of discovery has led to groundbreaking technologies in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics. Our journey began in 1851, and since then, we've consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible. This commitment to innovation was evident when we developed the glass encasement for Thomas Edison's first commercially practical incandescent lamp in 1879, a pivotal moment that established Corning as a key enabler of the electrical revolution. This spirit continued with the invention of Nonex, a thermally resistant borosilicate glass in 1908, which paved the way for Pyrex® in 1915, revolutionizing cookware and laboratory equipment with its durability and thermal shock resistance. Our innovative drive extends across diverse markets. We are a leader in optical communications, having invented low-loss optical fiber in 1970, a technology that underpins the global internet and telecommunications networks. In mobile consumer electronics, our Corning® Gorilla® Glass has set the standard for damage-resistant cover glass, protecting billions of devices worldwide. We are also a crucial player in display technologies, manufacturing the precision glass essential for the vibrant LCD and OLED screens in televisions, computers, and mobile devices. Furthermore, Corning's innovations in environmental technologies include ceramic substrates and filters that are vital for emissions control in vehicles. In the life sciences sector, our products, including brands like Falcon® and Axygen®, support critical drug discovery, development, and delivery processes. Through sustained investment in research and development, approximately 10% of our revenue, and a culture that fosters purposeful invention, Corning continues to collaborate with customers to solve their toughest challenges, shaping the future with materials that are integral to how the world interacts, works, learns, and lives.
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