Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Corning; City of Corning (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Sullivan Park, Corning, NY, is seeking a Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling to advance the fundamental understanding of optical phenomena and their application in Corning products. This onsite role offers relocation support and limited travel, with opportunities to guide research initiatives across multiple business areas.

You will apply optical physics and numerical methods, build modeling tools, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate insights into

Qualifications

• 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

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.

Skills

Optics knowledge

Ray tracing

Wave propagation

Numerical methods

Scientific computing

Code development

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

PhD in optical sciences or physics

Tools

Lumerical

Zemax

COMSOL

RSoft

LightTools

Job description

Requisition Number: 75425

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.

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

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling to join our research team at Sullivan Park in Corning, NY . This is an onsite role , Monday–Friday, with relocation support available and minimal travel ( less than 10% , domestic and 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. Backgrounds in photonics, fiber optics, integrated photonics, computational optics, and applied optical physics align strongly with the demands of this position .

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.

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.

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 .