Senior Laser Process Engineer / Scientist

About the role

The Optical Communications segment of Corning is evolving from a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to a comprehensive provider of optical solutions. This role is within the carrier network product group, which includes products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning facilities worldwide.
• 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).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Desired: 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 (SolidWorks, 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 in one or more of: automation and process development, prototype or semi-automated station design, fiber optics and photonics applications, or translating research into scalable manufacturing processes.

Skills

• Deep technical expertise with hands-on experimental execution.
• Ability to design and optimize laser-based processes.
• Knowledge of optical systems and light-material interactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and documentation skills.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with key business results.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues.
• 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career.
• Matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• Health and well-being benefits including 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).

Pay

The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 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.

Schedule

This role supports immigration sponsorship.