Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Corning Incorporated; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 119,542 - 164,370; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Staff Scientist in Optical Modeling at Sullivan Park, Corning, NY. In this role, you will advance understanding of optical phenomena through modeling and simulation, significantly impacting Corning's products and manufacturing processes.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in optical sciences or related disciplines, with broad optics knowledge and hands-on experience using optical simulation tools. The position may involve minimal travel and supports immigration sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of optics including experience simulating optical systems.
• Working knowledge of numerical techniques such as finite element and time-domain methods.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard optical simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives to advance Corning's optical technologies.
• Develop optical models to study light behavior in various materials.
• Analyze optical physics problems through simulation.

Skills

Optical sciences knowledge

Ray tracing

Wave propagation methods

Scientific computing

Python programming

Education

PhD in optical sciences, physics or related discipline

Tools

Lumerical

Zemax

COMSOL

RSoft

LightTools

Job description

Requisition Number: 75425

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.

Corning’s businesses are ever‑evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets.

We are changing the world with:

• Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
• Damage‑resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
• Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
• Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
• Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
• Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low‑cost solar energy solutions

Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Location: Sullivan Park, Corning, NY (onsite). Relocation support available. Minimal travel (<10% domestic/international).

In this role, you’ll advance the fundamental understanding of optical phenomena and the interaction of light with various materials through modeling and simulation, in support of Corning products and manufacturing processes. Working within Corning’s research organization at Sullivan Park, you’ll apply your knowledge of optical physics, mathematical methods, and numerical computations—including ray tracing and wave optics—to influence the design of optical components, modules, and systems across Corning’s businesses, including high‑growth areas like optical communications and display technologies.

As a subject matter expert and thought leader, you’ll have the opportunity to propose and lead research initiatives, collaborate with multidisciplinary and cross‑functional teams, and drive technological advancement and new scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert, proposing and leading research initiatives that advance Corning’s optical technologies
• Develop and implement optical models to study light behavior in glass, thin films, waveguides, optical fiber components, and connectivity solutions
• Analyze optical physics problems through simulation to identify solutions, define operating conditions, and optimize designs
• Partner with experimental teams to validate modeling results against measured data and propose measurement techniques needed to accurately model systems of interest
• Build software tools and modeling capabilities that support both current business needs and future technology direction
• Contribute to multidisciplinary projects and translate modeling results into practical recommendations
• Document results in technical reports and patent applications

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in optical sciences, physics, or a closely related discipline
• Broad knowledge of optics, including experience simulating optical systems using both ray tracing and wave‑propagation methods
• Experience modeling optical fiber components, optical waveguides, connectivity solutions, and light scattering
• Working knowledge of numerical techniques such as finite element, frequency‑domain and time‑domain methods
• Experience with scientific computing and code development
• Hands‑on experience with industry‑standard optical simulation tools such as Lumerical, Zemax, COMSOL, RSoft, or LightTools
• Strong communicator who works well independently and across diverse teams, with a proactive, solution‑oriented approach and a commitment to advancing the state‑of‑the‑art

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• 3+ years of experience in optical physics modeling and simulation
• Industrial experience designing optical components, modules, or systems
• Experience modeling optical fiber transmission links
• Working knowledge of computational physics and mathematical algorithms
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++
• Familiarity with Linux, software engineering practices, version control, and test suites
• Experience using AI‑enabled tools to write code or generate software for optical physics modeling

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

Compensation range: $119,542.00 – $164,370.00 (full‑time). Starting pay based on location, market, experience, training, and education.

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].