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 people break through limitations and expectations daily, helping move our company—and the world—forward. At Corning, you can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines.

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets with trusted products that:

• Accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
• Enhance devices with damage-resistant cover glass
• Carry information and ideas at the speed of light via optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions
• Deliver richer experiences through precision glass for advanced displays
• Drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation with auto glass and ceramics
• Enable low-cost solar energy solutions through solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules

About the role

This onsite role in Corning, New York, supports Surface Science and Technology, a team focused on developing surface treatments and finishing processes that improve product performance and manufacturability from early concept through pilot and high-volume manufacturing. The position centers on materials finishing process development, equipment understanding, experimental design, and cross-functional technical execution in support of Corning’s innovation and manufacturing efforts. The role requires 10%–20% travel, including possible international travel, depending on project needs, and supports immigration sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Drive project-level participation in materials finishing to develop surface and edge treatments and processes from concept through scale-up, including work performed internally and with external manufacturing partners
• Manage one or multiple projects: design experiments, develop detailed project plans, estimate task timing, monitor progress against schedules, track expenditures, and communicate project status
• Develop or quickly build the process engineering and materials knowledge needed to define finishing processes and related equipment for projects ranging from early-stage concept development to pilot and high-volume manufacturing start-up
• Participate on cross-functional project teams supporting innovation, concept generation, certification, technology development, detailed design and build, pilot scale start-up, and high-volume manufacturing
• Solve finishing process challenges and support project sponsors across Corning businesses
• Design and analyze first-generation and next-generation finishing system processes and designs from material selection, analysis, and behavior perspectives
• Use internal laboratory facilities and equipment to demonstrate proof of concept, including hands-on work
• Interface with external suppliers to specify and procure finishing process elements including machines, tools, fixtures, chemicals, and consumables
• Document work through internal reporting, invention disclosures, and restricted technical reports, and present project work to peers, internal stakeholders, external customers, and leadership
• Support implementation of processing systems and assist with training operational personnel

Requirements

• PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Technical expertise in the design, development, and/or integration of finishing processes and/or related machine systems for glass and/or ceramic materials processing
• Technical expertise and experience in edge and surface grinding of glass, glass ceramic, silicon, and metallic articles
• Understanding of and ability to operate metrology systems to characterize parts, fixtures, and machines
• Basic knowledge of material reliability science and its relationship to finishing processes
• Systematic approach to problem solving using experimental design and statistical analysis
• Ability to manage technical interfaces between Corning and external equipment manufacturers or suppliers in support of emerging technology efforts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and technical documentation
• Ability to work effectively in matrixed internal and external teams and execute assignments with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a technical field such as process and/or product development, equipment engineering, project or engineering management, technology or product transfer, or machining and metrology processes
• Understanding of semiconductor materials processing, particularly wafering, and related machine systems
• Computer-aided design skills, including SolidWorks
• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on work using existing machines and tooling, up to 25%
• Familiarity with contract manufacturers supporting finishing processes

Pay

The range for this position is $81,561.00 - $112,147.00 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.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with key business results
• 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career
• Matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan (total contributions can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on age and years of service)
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid parental leave and family building support
• Fitness benefits and company-paid life insurance
• Disability and disease management programs
• Paid time off and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions

Schedule

This is an onsite Monday-Friday, 40-hour-per-week role with flexibility as needed.