Laser Process Engineer

Internal Corning Employees are provided the opportunity to review global job openings for potential interest. However, they are encouraged to do so with the understanding that whether or not they will be considered a candidate for positions located outside their geographic area (city, country, region) will depend on a number of factors such as the availability of local subject matter expertise or qualified talent, the need to obtain and availability of work authorization, costs associated with internal transfer, etc.

It will be the decision of the hiring organization whether to permit employees applying outside the local area where the opening exists to be considered a candidate for that opening. It is recommended employees wishing to apply for job openings at Corning make their supervisor aware of their interest before formally applying.

Scope of Position Corning is seeking a Laser Process Development Engineer/Scientist to support the early-stage development of advanced laser processes and optical solutions. This role is responsible for developing and improving new and existing laser-based processes through hands-on experimentation, prototype development, optical system design, automation, and data-driven process optimization.

This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy combining strong technical fundamentals with practical experimental execution to create scalable process innovations. We welcome applicants with relevant industry experience as well as candidates whose Master’s or PhD research included direct, hands-on work in laser processing, optics, photonics, automation, or related process development.

Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and improve laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning facilities worldwide

Build, refine, and evaluate lab-based benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations to demonstrate new process concepts

Apply knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, optical systems, and light-material interaction to solve complex technical challenges

Design and develop optical systems, including free-space optics using refractive and reflective components

Establish process windows and operating ranges through structured experimentation, characterization, and analysis

Develop and execute task plans to meet project objectives, milestones, and deliverables

Define and document technical guidelines and best practices for process development activities

Collaborate with AR&D and Research teams to solve challenging cross-functional technical problems

Apply structured problem-solving methods, including MEE and other engineering analysis techniques

Analyze experimental data using statistical and process-analysis tools

Interpret results and recommend immediate actions, longer-term corrective actions, and follow-up experiments

Troubleshoot prototype equipment, tooling, and process-related issues

Document inventions, novel concepts, and technical innovations for potential patent submissions

Design, develop, and test tooling and fixtures to support new product development from prototyping through high-volume manufacturing

Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline2+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development

Relevant Master’s or PhD research experience may be considered toward this requirement

Understanding of laser theory, laser platforms, and light-material interaction

Understanding of optical theory and light propagation

Experience with hands-on experimental work, technical troubleshooting, and data interpretation

Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn and apply new technologies

Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical field

Experience in automation process development

Experience designing and building prototype equipment, lab systems, or semi-automated stations

Experience with Solid Works, Creo, or similar 3D CAD tools

Familiarity with controls, instrumentation, and basic programming

Experience using DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, or other structured process analysis and control methods

Proficiency with Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel-based data analysis

Familiarity with fiber optic theory, optical systems, or photonics…