Senior Development Scientist

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.

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.

Corning is seeking a Senior Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to drive early‑stage development of advanced laser processes and optical solutions. You'll combine deep technical expertise with hands‑on experimental execution — designing optical systems, building prototype stations, and translating laboratory innovations into scalable, manufacturing‑ready capabilities. This role is well‑suited for engineers and scientists with applied industry experience in laser processing or photonics, as well as candidates whose graduate research included direct, hands‑on laboratory or process development work.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 (Solid Works, 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…