Laser Process Development Engineer

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 103,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Corning Incorporated seeks a Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to advance early-stage laser processes and optical solutions. You will develop and improve laser‑based processes, build prototype stations, and apply optical design and data‑driven optimization.

Master’s/PhD candidates with hands‑on laser experience are welcome. The role emphasizes experimentation, automation, and collaboration with AR&D teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development.
• Master’s or PhD research experience may be considered toward this requirement.
• Understanding of laser theory, laser platforms, and light–material interaction.
• Understanding of optical theory and light propagation.
• Experience with hands-on experimental work, technical troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn and apply new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve laser‑based processes for deployment across Corning facilities worldwide.
• Build, refine, and evaluate lab‑based benchtop and semi‑automated prototype stations.
• Apply knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, optical systems, and light‑material interaction to solve technical challenges.
• Design and develop optical systems, including free‑space optics using refractive and reflective components.
• Establish process windows and operating ranges through structured experimentation, characterization, and analysis.
• Develop and execute task plans to meet project objectives, milestones, and deliverables.
• Define and document technical guidelines and best practices for process development activities.
• Collaborate with R&D and Research teams to solve cross‑functional problems.
• Apply structured problem‑solving methods and analysis techniques.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical and process‑analysis tools.
• Interpret results and recommend actions and follow‑up experiments.
• Troubleshoot prototype equipment, tooling, and process‑related issues.
• Document inventions and innovations for potential patent submissions.
• Design, develop, and test tooling and fixtures to support product development from prototyping to high‑volume manufacturing.

Skills

Laser theory

Optical theory

Hands-on experimentation

Data interpretation

Documentation

Analytical thinking

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

Corning Incorporated seeks a Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to advance early-stage laser processes and optical solutions. You will develop and improve laser‑based processes, build prototype stations, and apply optical design and data‑driven optimization.

Master’s/PhD candidates with hands‑on laser experience are welcome. The role emphasizes experimentation, automation, and collaboration with AR&D teams.