Requisition Number: 76146
Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
Role PurposeCorning is seeking a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive early-stage development of advanced laser processes and optical solutions. You'll combine deep technical expertise with hands-on experimental execution - designing optical systems, building prototype stations, and translating laboratory innovations into scalable, manufacturing-ready capabilities. This role is well-suited for engineers and scientists with applied industry experience in laser processing or photonics, as well as candidates whose graduate research included direct, hands-on laboratory or process development work.
Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, and optimize laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning facilities worldwide, scaling early-stage concepts into manufacturing-ready capability.
- Build, refine, and troubleshoot benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations; design optical systems using free-space optics, refractive, and reflective components to support laser process and light-material interaction studies.
- Plan and execute structured experiments to establish process windows, characterize laser-material interactions, and apply analytical methods - including Design of Experiments (DOE), root cause analysis, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) - to solve complex technical challenges.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Applied Research and Development (R&D), Research, and engineering teams to translate laboratory work into scalable processes.
- Document technical work and capture intellectual property through reports, process development guidelines, and patent submissions.
Experiences/Education - Required- Graduate degree (Master's or PhD) in Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development; graduate research with direct, hands-on laboratory work in these areas may be considered.
- Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light-material interaction.
- Working knowledge of optical theory and light propagation, including optical system behavior and components.
- Hands-on experimental experience, including building or operating lab setups, troubleshooting technical issues, and interpreting experimental data.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable engineering decisions.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience documenting experiments and presenting findings to technical audiences.
Experiences/Education - Desired- PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Experience with optical modeling software such as COMSOL, Zemax, or Python-based simulation platforms.
- Proficiency with 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) and statistical analysis platforms (Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel).
- Familiarity with controls, instrumentation, and basic programming for process automation.
- Experience applying DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, or other structured process analysis methods to development or manufacturing challenges.
- Background in one or more of: automation and process development, prototype or semi-automated station design, fiber optics and photonics applications, or translating research into scalable manufacturing processes.
This position supports immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 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 financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
- Our health and well-being benefits include 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) to support you and your family.
- Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
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 financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
- Our health and well-being benefits include 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) to support you and your family.
