Senior Laser Process Engineer / Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in North Carolina seeks a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive early-stage laser process development and optical solutions. You will design optical systems, build prototype stations, and translate lab innovations into scalable, manufacturing-ready capabilities.

The role requires 5+ years in laser processing or photonics, strong hands-on experimental work, and experience with DOE, SPC, and analytical methods.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Photonics, EE, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on laser processing or photonics experience.
• Strong knowledge of laser theory and light‑material interaction.
• Experience documenting experiments and presenting findings.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize laser‑based processes for manufacturing‑readiness.
• Build and troubleshoot prototype stations and optical systems.
• Plan structured experiments, DOE studies, and analyze data.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to scale lab work.
• Document work and contribute to IP through reports and guidelines.

Skills

laser processing

optics

photonics

DOE

statistical analysis

experimental execution

communication

Education

Master's or PhD in a related technical field

PhD preferred

Tools

COMSOL

Zemax

Python

SolidWorks

Job description

Role Purpose

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

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.

Immigration Sponsorship

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

Compensation Range

$119,542.00 – $164,370.00 (full‑time). Starting pay depends on factors such as geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• 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 reaching 7%–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 exceptional contributions.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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 a reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at [e-mail].