Supervisor, Laser Process Development

Supervisor, Laser Process Development

** Date:
** Jun 29, 2026

*
* Location:

** Hickory, NC, US, 28601

** Company:
** Corning

Requisition Number: 76142

** 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 Development Supervisor to lead a team of engineers and scientists focused on advanced laser process and optical solution development. In this role, you will set technical direction, drive early-stage innovation, and guide a high-performing team to deliver scalable process capabilities that translate from the lab into Corning's global manufacturing operations. If you are an experienced technical leader who thrives at the intersection of hands-on experimentation, team development, and manufacturing-scale impact, we want to hear from you.

** Key Responsibilities*
* ** Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities*
* + Lead, coach, and develop a team of laser process development engineers and scientists - including goal-setting, performance management, mentorship, and career development.

+ Direct the design, development, and improvement of laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning's global manufacturing facilities, with a focus on scaling early-stage concepts into manufacturing-ready capability.

+ Oversee the build and refinement of benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations and optical systems used to evaluate and iterate on new process concepts.

+ Champion structured problem-solving - including Design of Experiments (DOE), root cause analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Six Sigma methods - to resolve complex technical challenges and drive continuous process improvement.

+ Manage the team's project portfolio, balance lab and capital resources, and partner cross-functionally with Applied R&D, Research, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management to align priorities and deliver results.

** Experiences/Education - Required*
* + Bachelor's or Master's degree 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, including demonstrated experience leading or supervising technical teams or direct reports

+ Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light-material interaction

+ Working knowledge of optical theory, light propagation, and optical system behavior and components

+ Hands-on experimental background, 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, including the…