Lead Scientist – Laser Damage & Optical Materials

Role Purpose

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Lead Scientist – Laser Damage & Optical Materials in Corning, NY. This is a full-time onsite role working Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexibility as needed. Travel averages 10–25%, project dependent. Relocation assistance is available. This position requires candidates to be U.S. persons; visa sponsorship is not available.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direction to a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, delegating work and mentoring across the group.
• Own strategy and operations for a state-of-the-art laser damage testing laboratory.
• Lead investigations into laser-materials interactions and damage mechanisms in single-crystal materials, glasses, and coatings.
• Translate fundamental insights into product innovation, technical roadmaps, and business strategy.
• Partner with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to improve existing product lines and identify new materials solutions.
• Benchmark Corning's products against competitive technologies and support customer engagements as a technical expert.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, Solid-State or Physical Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of post-academic experience in optical materials, laser physics, or related R&D.
• Demonstrated experience leading and directing technical teams.
• Deep expertise in laser-materials interactions and optical materials test methods.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with deep-UV, excimer, or high-power laser systems.
• Background in semiconductor lithography optics, directed energy, or high-energy laser applications.
• Demonstrated ability to shape technical strategy and communicate to senior leadership.
• Experience leading capital projects and developing high-performing teams.
• Track record of innovation through publications, patents, or product impact.

Pay

The range for this position is $147,037.00 - $202,176.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.