Senior Development Scientist

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 119,542 - 164,370; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Pension plan

401(k) match

Health benefits

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive early-stage laser process innovations and translate laboratory concepts into scalable manufacturing capabilities. The role emphasizes hands-on experimental work, optical design, and cross-functional collaboration across R&D and manufacturing teams.

The successful candidate will lead structured experiments, analyze data, and document results for patentable processes while advancing Corning’s laser

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical field is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize laser-based processes for deployment across Corning facilities.
• Build and troubleshoot bench and prototype stations; design optical systems for laser-material studies.
• Plan and execute structured experiments to establish process windows and DOE studies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to translate lab work into scalable manufacturing processes.
• Document work and protect IP through reports and guidelines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in Photonics/Optics/Physics/Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

Zemax

Python-based simulation

SolidWorks/Creo

Minitab/JMP

Excel (advanced)

Job description

Overview

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. We believe in building on breakthroughs and invite you to join us.

Scope of Role

The Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist will drive early-stage development of advanced laser processes and optical solutions. The role blends deep technical expertise with hands‑on experimental execution—designing optical systems, building prototype stations, and translating laboratory innovations into scalable, manufacturing‑ready capabilities.

Primary Day‑to‑Day 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

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. This position supports immigration sponsorship.

• Company‐wide bonuses and long‑term incentives aligned with key business results.
• 100% company‑paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career; matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, with total contributions between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on age and years of service.
• Health and well‑being benefits: 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).
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

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].