Laser Process Development Engineer / Scientist

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 85,304 - 117,293; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

100% company-paid pension benefit

Health and well-being benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, NC is hiring a Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to innovate and enhance laser-based processes. The role involves hands-on experimentation, optical system design, and collaboration with technical teams worldwide. Candidates should hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree and have experience in laser processing or related fields. The position offers competitive pay with potential bonuses and comprehensive benefits, emphasizing financial and career development.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, or photonics.
• Strong understanding of laser theory and light-material interaction.
• Demonstrated ability to design optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve laser-based processes for worldwide deployment.
• Collaborate with AR&D and Research teams on technical challenges.
• Document inventions and innovations for potential patents.

Skills

Hands-on experimental work

Problem-solving

Data interpretation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

SolidWorks

Creo

Statistical software (Minitab, JMP)

Job description

Requisition Number: 74794

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.

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.

Scope of Position

Corning is seeking a Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to support the early‑stage development of advanced laser processes and optical solutions. This role is responsible for developing and improving new and existing laser‑based processes through hands‑on experimentation, prototype development, optical system design, automation, and data‑driven process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve laser‑based processes for potential deployment across Corning facilities worldwide
• Build, refine, and evaluate lab‑based benchtop and semi‑automated prototype stations to demonstrate new process concepts
• Apply knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, optical systems, and light‑material interaction to solve complex 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 AR&D and Research teams to solve challenging cross‑functional technical problems
• Apply structured problem‑solving methods, including MEE and other engineering analysis techniques
• Analyze experimental data using statistical and process‑analysis tools
• Interpret results and recommend immediate actions, longer‑term corrective actions, and follow‑up experiments
• Troubleshoot prototype equipment, tooling, and process‑related issues
• Document inventions, novel concepts, and technical innovations for potential patent submissions
• Design, develop, and test tooling and fixtures to support new product development from prototyping through high‑volume manufacturing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline
• 2+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development
• Relevant 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical field
• Experience in automation process development
• Experience designing and building prototype equipment, lab systems, or semi‑automated stations
• Experience with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar 3D CAD tools
• Familiarity with controls, instrumentation, and basic programming
• Experience using DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, or other structured process analysis and control methods
• Proficiency with Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel‑based data analysis
• Familiarity with fiber optic theory, optical systems, or photonics applications
• Experience translating laboratory, prototype, or research work into scalable manufacturing processes

What Will Make You Successful In This Role

• You enjoy hands‑on technical work and developing new process capability from the ground up
• You are comfortable working in an experimental environment where learning comes through testing, iteration, and analysis
• You can connect theory to application and use engineering fundamentals to solve real process challenges
• You communicate clearly and work effectively across development, engineering, and research teams
• You are motivated by innovation and excited to contribute to next‑generation manufacturing and optical technologies

Candidate Backgrounds We Encourage

• Engineers or scientists with industry experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, automation, or advanced manufacturing
• Master’s or PhD candidates whose graduate research involved relevant hands‑on laboratory, equipment, or process development work
• Candidates with experience in process development, optical system design, laser‑material interaction, prototyping, or manufacturing technology development

Why Join Corning

This is an opportunity to work on advanced process technologies with the potential for global manufacturing impact. You’ll contribute to the development of innovative laser‑enabled solutions, collaborate with highly technical teams, and help bridge early‑stage concepts into scalable process capability.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $85,304.00 – $117,293.00 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 [e-mail].