Laser Process Engineer / Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

401(k) matching

Healthcare benefits

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Corning is seeking a Laser Process Engineer/Scientist to design, develop, and scale advanced laser-based processes for next-generation manufacturing and optical technologies. We welcome both experienced industry professionals and candidates whose graduate research included hands‑on work in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development fields.

Bachelor’s degree in technical fields and 2+ years in laser processing or photonics; Master’s or PhD is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Photonics, EE, Physics, ME, or Materials Science).
• 2+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, or process development.
• Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light-material interaction.
• Understanding of optical theory and light propagation.
• Hands-on experience with experimental work, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop laser-based processes and optical systems, including free-space optics for deployment across Corning facilities.
• Build and evaluate benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations to demonstrate and validate new process concepts.
• Establish process windows through experimentation, characterization, data analysis, and statistics; interpret results and recommend actions.
• Troubleshoot prototype equipment, tooling, and process-related issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and research teams to solve technical challenges.
• Document technical guidelines, best practices, and concepts for patents.
• Design and develop tooling and fixtures supporting new product development from prototyping to scalable manufacturing.

Skills

Laser processing

Optics

Photonics

Process development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Photonics Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in a relevant technical field

PhD in a relevant technical field

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

3D CAD

DOE / SPC / Six Sigma

Minitab or JMP

Job description

Requisition Number: 76144

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.

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 Purpose

Corning is seeking a Laser Process Engineer/Scientist to design, develop, and scale advanced laser-based processes — from early-stage experimentation through prototype deployment — in support of next-generation manufacturing and optical technologies. We welcome both experienced industry professionals and candidates whose graduate research included hands‑on work in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop laser-based processes and optical systems, including free-space optics using refractive and reflective components, for potential deployment across Corning facilities
• Build and evaluate benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations to demonstrate and validate new process concepts
• Establish process windows through structured experimentation, characterization, data analysis, and statistical methods; interpret results and recommend corrective actions and follow-up experiments
• Troubleshoot prototype equipment, tooling, and process-related issues
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and research teams to solve complex technical challenges
• Document technical guidelines, best practices, and novel concepts for potential patent submissions
• Design and develop tooling and fixtures supporting new product development from prototyping through scalable manufacturing

Experiences/Education - Required

• 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 process development; relevant Master's or PhD research experience may be considered toward this requirement
• Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light-material interaction
• Understanding of optical theory and light propagation
• Hands‑on experience with experimental work, technical troubleshooting, and data interpretation
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and documentation skills

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant technical field
• Experience designing and building prototype equipment, lab systems, or semi-automated stations
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar 3D CAD tools
• Experience with DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, or other structured process analysis methods; proficiency with Minitab or JMP a plus
• Experience translating laboratory or research work into scalable manufacturing processes; familiarity with fiber optic systems, controls, instrumentation, or basic programming a plus

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $102,650.00 - $141,145.00 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.

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].