Scientist - Optics

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. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines, among other impactful work.

About the role

Evaluates materials, properties, and techniques used in research and production from an optical metrology standpoint. Advises on the selection, application, and testing of optics and electronic components and systems. Determines experimental requirements, develops new techniques, and creates analytical tools to identify potential problems with new products, packaging, and processes. Recommends changes in component and system selection and application. Works with lab technical leads to develop and implement research tasks.

The successful candidate will drive research projects focusing on optical delay (retardation) and birefringence measurements, polarized light and material interactions, and data collection and analysis. The candidate will also play a key role in developing analysis techniques for existing and novel optical systems and contribute to creating relevant IP to protect key inventions.

Responsibilities

• Propose and execute research projects involving optical delay and birefringence measurements.
• Perform optical delay and birefringence measurements.
• Implement hands-on solutions for experiment, project, or equipment requirements.
• Develop experiment workflows for the lab and its customers.
• Design spreadsheet workbooks to track, analyze, and share data with research teams.
• Develop measurement and project reports and attend meetings to communicate results.
• Work closely with other research scientists, engineers, and technicians to execute multi-disciplinary experiments.
• Collaborate on various materials and projects, design experiments, and execute technology transfer with organizations across Corning sites.

Requirements

• BS/BA in a technical discipline such as physics, engineering, chemistry, or mathematics.
• Minimum 1-year demonstrated hands-on experience beyond the classroom (e.g., industry or research lab) with emphasis on optical delay and photoelasticity-based measurement systems for materials metrology (e.g., polarimetry, interferometry).
• Strong background in data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Hands-on experience with polarization-sensitive measurements and devices.
• Experience operating optical measurement systems and analyzing output data.
• Familiarity with stress, strain, polarization, and stress-induced birefringence (photoelasticity).
• Ability to solve technical problems and document them effectively.

Qualifications (Desired)

• Experience designing, aligning, and/or troubleshooting optical measurement systems.
• Knowledge of coding (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LabView) for automation of data analysis/collection.
• Experience with material science and material properties.
• Strong understanding of mathematics for manipulating expressions to compare theory and experiment or extract useful measurement values/relationships.
• Familiarity with measuring/interpreting stress from photoelasticity data.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Pay

The range for this position is $84,141.00 - $115,694.00 (full-time status). Starting pay depends on geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with business performance.
• 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 7%–12% of pay, depending on age and years of service).
• Comprehensive health and well-being benefits: medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family-building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.