Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Corning

Location: Hsinchu, Taiwan

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management (Opto-Mechanical Design)

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and architecture of next-generation optical interconnect solutions, focusing on high-precision optical components and opto-mechanical assemblies.

• Ensure product designs meet stringent customer technical requirements, including sub-micron assembly tolerances, precision standards, and automation readiness.

• Drive the development of design guidelines and manufacturability considerations for a range of advanced optical technologies such as FAU, MLA, PMLA, fiber shuffle, and CPO/NPO applications.

• Establish and manage core design capabilities, leveraging both internal talent and external manufacturing partners.

• Collaborate extensively with global engineering teams, process development, equipment engineering, and customer-facing groups to ensure seamless integration from design to production and customer delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technical leadership position within Corning's Photonics Connectivity Solutions (PCS) business, focusing on product and solution design for advanced optical technologies. The emphasis on "sub-micron assembly tolerances," "automation readiness," and "CPO/NPO applications" indicates a highly specialized and forward-looking engineering management role within the photonics industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute the product architecture, design methodology, and technology roadmap for next-generation optical interconnect solutions.

• Lead comprehensive product and solution design efforts for precision optical components and opto-mechanical assemblies, ensuring alignment with market needs and technological advancements.

• Translate complex customer technical requirements into actionable design specifications, robust design rules, and detailed technical work packages for engineering teams.

• Develop and implement advanced design guidelines, sophisticated tolerance strategies, and critical manufacturability considerations for key optical technologies and applications.

• Manage and mentor a team of mechanical, thermal, materials, and product design engineers, guiding them through concept selection, trade-off analysis, tolerance stack-up, and rigorous design verification processes.

• Partner closely with Process and Equipment Engineering teams to guarantee that new designs are not only manufacturable but also easily assembled, precisely measured, effectively qualified, and scalable for mass production.

• Support and lead technical reviews, ensuring design actions, identified risks, and open technical assumptions are systematically addressed and closed.

• Facilitate technical evaluations with core AI customers, Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), and AI ecosystem partners, ensuring design alignment and clear communication of technical capabilities.

• Act as a key liaison between design, Process & Equipment, Reliability, Operations, and Customer Interaction teams to ensure holistic product development that meets process capabilities and exceeds customer expectations.

• Prepare and present design-related updates and technical evaluations to internal leadership and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic technical leadership (roadmap, architecture) and hands-on engineering management (mentoring, technical reviews, cross-functional partnerships). The emphasis on customer interaction and alignment with manufacturing processes is crucial for a Design Manager role in this sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Materials Science) or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in technology development, precision assembly, opto-mechanical systems engineering, or advanced manufacturing environments.

• Proven track record of successfully translating customer requirements or product concepts into manufacturable and scalable technology solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex and challenging technical problems through innovative solutions grounded in a strong understanding of fundamental engineering principles.

• Extensive experience leading engineering teams, technical workstreams, or vendor relationships through the full product lifecycle, from initial development and qualification to successful implementation. Required Skills:

• Technical Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, drive technical initiatives, and make critical design decisions.

• Opto-Mechanical Design: Deep understanding of designing and analyzing opto-mechanical systems, including precision components and complex assemblies.

• Precision Assembly: Expertise in the principles and challenges of sub-micron assembly, tolerance stack-up analysis, and achieving high-precision manufacturing.

• Manufacturing Feasibility: Strong capability to assess and integrate manufacturability considerations into the design process, ensuring designs can be efficiently produced at scale.

• Product Architecture & Roadmapping: Experience in defining product architectures and developing long-term technology roadmaps for advanced product lines.

• Tolerance Analysis: Proficiency in performing detailed tolerance stack-up analyses (e.g., using statistical methods or worst-case analysis) to ensure design robustness.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams including process engineering, equipment development, reliability, and operations.

• Customer Engagement: Experience in technical discussions and evaluations with customers, understanding their needs, and translating them into design requirements.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative approach to developing technical solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Fiber Optics: Knowledge and experience with fiber optic technologies, components, and their applications.

• Advanced Optical Systems: Familiarity with concepts and manufacturing requirements for CPO (Co-Packaged Optics), NPO (Near-Packaged Optics), XCVR (Transceiver), and PMLA (Planar Lightwave Circuit Assembly).

• Materials Science: Understanding of material properties relevant to optical and opto-mechanical applications.

• Thermal Analysis: Experience with thermal management and analysis for sensitive optical components.

• Supply Chain Management: Familiarity with managing external suppliers and contract manufacturing partners for component fabrication and assembly.

• Design for Automation: Experience in designing products with automation readiness in mind, facilitating high-volume, efficient manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific technical skills point towards a senior role demanding deep expertise in opto-mechanical engineering and product development within a high-tech manufacturing context. The emphasis on customer interaction and cross-functional work implies a need for strong communication and leadership abilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase detailed case studies of complex opto-mechanical systems or precision optical components designed and brought to market.

• Tolerance Analysis Examples: Include examples of tolerance stack-up analyses performed, demonstrating methodologies used and the impact on product performance and manufacturability.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) / Design for Assembly (DFA) Examples: Present instances where DFM/DFA principles were applied to optimize designs for efficient production and reduced costs.

• Technology Roadmap Contributions: If possible, provide examples or descriptions of contributions to technology roadmaps or architectural definitions for new product lines.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Illustrate how challenging technical problems were approached and resolved through innovative design solutions, preferably with quantifiable results.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of designing and optimizing engineering workflows for product development, including design review processes and engineering change management.

• System Implementation Standards: Evidence of contributions to or adherence to standards for system implementation, qualification, and scaling for manufacturing.

• Metrics & Performance Analysis: Ability to define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design, such as yield, cycle time, cost, and performance validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase successful designs but also evidence of leadership in driving processes, managing technical challenges, and collaborating effectively. Examples demonstrating an understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from concept to scalable manufacturing, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Design Manager position with 10+ years of experience in Hsinchu, Taiwan, the estimated annual salary range would typically fall between NT$1,800,000 and NT$3,000,000 (approximately USD $57,000 - $95,000), depending on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience level, and Corning's internal compensation structure. This estimate considers the cost of living in Taiwan and industry benchmarks for senior engineering management roles in the technology sector. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents.

• Retirement savings plan or pension scheme.

• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Relocation assistance may be available for international candidates.

• Access to company facilities and employee support programs. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, given the global nature of the role and the demands of leading technical projects, occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate meetings with international teams or address urgent design issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Taiwan are based on general market data for experienced engineering managers in technology sectors. Specific benefits can vary significantly by company and region; this list represents common offerings. The mention of "flexibility" in working hours is typical for management roles, especially those with international collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advanced Materials, Optics, Photonics, and Specialty Glass Manufacturing. Corning is a global leader renowned for its innovation in materials science and its development of groundbreaking products that shape industries.

Company Size: Corning is a large, established multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for global collaboration.

Founded: Corning was founded in 1851, giving it a long history of innovation and a deep-rooted culture of scientific discovery and engineering excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of engineers specializing in mechanical design, thermal analysis, materials science, and product engineering within the Photonics Connectivity Solutions (PCS) business unit.

• This team will operate within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with global counterparts in Process & Equipment Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Operations, and Customer Interaction teams.

• Reporting will likely be to a Director or Senior Director of Engineering within the PCS division, with direct interaction with Product Management and business unit leadership. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using rigorous data analysis, simulation, and experimental validation to inform design decisions and ensure product performance.

• Process Optimization: A strong focus on designing for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and scalability, working closely with process engineers to refine production methods.

• Innovation & Iteration: A culture that encourages creative problem-solving, rapid prototyping, and iterative design improvements based on feedback and testing.

• Global Collaboration: Utilization of modern collaboration tools and methodologies to ensure effective communication and project execution across geographically dispersed teams.

Company Website: https://www.corning.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Corning's legacy as an innovator suggests a culture that values deep technical expertise, scientific rigor, and long-term vision. The "global team" aspect indicates a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level engineering management position. The Design Manager is responsible for leading a critical function (product design) within a specialized business unit (PCS), influencing product strategy, technology roadmaps, and team development. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to managing a team and driving significant technical outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering leader (e.g., Director of Engineering) within the Photonics Connectivity Solutions (PCS) business. They will manage a team of engineers and will collaborate extensively with peers in other functional areas (Process, Equipment, Reliability, Operations, Product Management) and potentially with customer engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the company's ability to deliver cutting-edge optical interconnect solutions that meet the demanding specifications of key customers in the AI, CSP, and broader technology ecosystems. Successful designs lead to competitive product offerings, market share growth, and revenue generation. Poor design can result in production challenges, missed market opportunities, and customer dissatisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced opto-mechanical design, CPO/NPO technologies, and high-precision manufacturing processes.

• Leadership Development: Advance into roles with broader scope, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, or lead architect for major product lines, managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with product management, marketing, and operations, potentially transitioning into roles with P&L responsibility or strategic business unit leadership.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other Corning facilities globally, gaining diverse market and operational experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, innovation-driven company. The combination of technical depth and management responsibilities provides a strong foundation for diverse career trajectories within Corning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the Design Manager to work from Corning's facility in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The environment will likely be a mix of office space for design work, meetings, and collaboration, alongside access to labs and potentially pilot production areas for hands-on engagement with prototypes and manufacturing processes.

Office Location(s): Hsinchu, Taiwan. This location is a significant hub for technology and manufacturing in Taiwan, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workplace that fosters collaboration, with opportunities for regular interaction with a local team of engineers and frequent virtual or in-person engagement with global counterparts.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced design software (CAD, simulation tools), high-performance computing for analysis, and potentially lab equipment for testing and validation.

• Innovation Hub: The Hsinchu facility likely serves as a center for R&D and advanced manufacturing, providing exposure to cutting-edge technologies and processes.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the nature of managing global projects and critical design phases may necessitate flexibility to accommodate different time zones and project deadlines. This is typical for senior engineering management roles focused on product delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Hsinchu suggests a hands-on role deeply integrated with the local engineering and manufacturing teams, while still maintaining global connectivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical leadership experience, design methodology, team management, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to discuss your approach to product roadmapping and innovation.

• Technical Panel Interview: A session with senior engineers or peers from the design, process, and equipment teams. This will involve in-depth technical questions related to opto-mechanical design, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, highlighting design challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical application of skills and leadership.

• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interview: An interview with leaders from related departments (e.g., Operations, Product Management) to assess collaboration skills, business acumen, and ability to align design with broader organizational goals.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive or Director level leader for final assessment and offer discussion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical depth in opto-mechanical design, and ability to manage complex projects from concept to production.

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role and approach, the solutions implemented, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvement, cost reduction, time-to-market acceleration, yield increase).

• Showcase Process: Highlight your methodology for design reviews, tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and collaboration with manufacturing. Use diagrams, schematics, or relevant visuals where appropriate.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to support your claims. For example, "Reduced assembly time by 15%" or "Improved optical performance by 10% through advanced tolerance stacking."

• Tailor to Corning: Research Corning's products and recent innovations in photonics and optics. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your experience aligns with their strategic priorities (e.g., CPO/NPO applications).

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges relevant to precision optics or opto-mechanical assemblies. Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving, identifying key parameters, and outlining potential solutions.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you manage underperforming team members, resolve technical disagreements within a team, or motivate engineers during challenging project phases.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Think about examples of successful collaboration with manufacturing, process engineering, or customer teams, and how you navigated potential conflicts or alignment issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, focusing heavily on both technical expertise and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, or equivalent, for detailed design and modeling of opto-mechanical components and assemblies.

• FEA/CFD Software: Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural and thermal analysis (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, Abaqus) and potentially Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for thermal management.

• Tolerance Analysis Tools: Familiarity with specialized software for tolerance stack-up analysis (e.g., Sigmetrix, 3DCS) or advanced Excel-based methods.

• PLM/PDM Systems: Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data, revisions, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), or JMP for analyzing experimental data, simulation results, and performance metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience with creating reports and dashboards using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or internal reporting systems to communicate design performance and project status.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing customer relationships, an understanding of how product designs interface with customer specifications and potentially CRM data for product lifecycle tracking is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project) for managing design tasks and team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed reflect the needs of a senior design engineering role focused on precision opto-mechanical systems. Proficiency in simulation and analysis software is paramount, alongside strong CAD skills and an understanding of data management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push the boundaries of technology and achieve the highest standards in design, performance, and manufacturing.

• Customer Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting the complex technical requirements of leading customers in demanding industries.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across global teams and functional disciplines to achieve shared objectives.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of design outcomes and project responsibilities.

• Process Discipline: A commitment to robust engineering processes, thorough validation, and continuous improvement in design and manufacturing methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design is not siloed but deeply integrated with process engineering, equipment development, reliability testing, and customer interaction teams from the earliest stages.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Decisions are typically based on solid data, simulation results, and empirical testing, fostering a culture of objective evaluation and continuous learning.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing among team members and across departments to solve complex challenges efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Corning's long history and leadership position suggest a culture that values deep technical expertise, scientific rigor, and a commitment to long-term innovation. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making is key for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sub-Micron Precision: Meeting and consistently achieving sub-micron tolerances in assembly and manufacturing for optical components presents significant technical and process challenges.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The fast-paced nature of AI, CPO, and NPO technologies requires continuous learning and adaptation to stay ahead of industry trends and customer demands.

• Global Team Coordination: Effectively managing and aligning design efforts across geographically dispersed teams with potentially different work cultures and time zones.

• Balancing Innovation and Manufacturability: Innovating to meet cutting-edge performance requirements while ensuring designs are practical, cost-effective, and scalable for mass production.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on the latest advancements in opto-mechanical design, materials science, and optical engineering.

• Industry Conferences & Exposure: Opportunities to attend leading industry conferences (e.g., SPIE, OFC) to stay abreast of new technologies, network with peers, and represent Corning's technical capabilities.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Corning or to mentor junior engineers, fostering leadership and technical growth.

• Exposure to Diverse Applications: Working on a variety of projects for different AI customers and ecosystem partners provides broad exposure to diverse application requirements and market needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but also represent key areas for professional development and growth, particularly in cutting-edge fields like CPO and NPO.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Leadership & Vision: "Describe your approach to developing a technology roadmap for a complex engineering product line. How do you balance innovation with practical implementation?" (Prepare to discuss your experience with product architecture and long-term planning).

• Problem-Solving & Design Methodology: "Walk us through a challenging opto-mechanical design problem you solved. What was your process, what were the key trade-offs, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your structured approach, analytical skills, and ability to deliver results).

• Team Management & Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design engineers and process/equipment engineers to achieve manufacturability goals?" (Be ready to share examples of bridging gaps between disciplines and driving alignment).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Corning's Innovation: "What excites you about Corning's work in photonics and optical interconnects? How do you see your expertise contributing to our future innovations?" (Research Corning's recent PCS announcements and technologies).

• Global Operations: "Describe your experience working with global teams. What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication and project success across different cultures and time zones?" (Highlight your adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills).

• Process Improvement: "How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement within an engineering team, particularly regarding design processes and manufacturability?" (Showcase your understanding of process optimization and quality standards).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Approach -> Solution -> Key Challenges & How Overcome -> Results & Impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals. Diagrams, CAD renderings, photos of prototypes, and graphs showing performance data are highly effective. Avoid overly cluttered slides.

• Quantify Everything: Be prepared to discuss metrics, performance improvements, cost savings, yield impacts, and time-to-market benefits achieved through your designs.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities, technical acumen, and leadership impact.

• Engage the Audience: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and the technical details of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring your preparation to Corning's specific focus on photonics and advanced optical solutions, and being ready to articulate both technical depth and leadership capabilities through your portfolio, will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Corning careers portal via the provided URL and submit your application.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of experience in technology development, precision assembly, and opto-mechanical systems. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description such as "product architecture," "tolerance stack-up," "manufacturing feasibility," and "sub-micron assembly."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 of your most relevant projects. Focus on case studies that demonstrate your leadership in opto-mechanical design, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive products from concept to manufacturability. Be ready to present these with clear visuals and quantifiable results.

• Research Corning PCS: Gain a deep understanding of Corning's Photonics Connectivity Solutions business, their target markets (AI, CSPs), and their key technologies (CPO, NPO, advanced optics). This will help you tailor your responses and showcase your alignment with the company's strategic goals.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, particularly those related to design leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and complex problem-solving. Practice articulating your portfolio examples concisely and effectively.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.