a.dialogApplyBtn { display: none; }
Date: Jul 25, 2026
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
#job-location.job-location-inline { display: inline; }
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 74794
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
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.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
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 discipline
2+ 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 SolidWorks, 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 applications
Experience translating laboratory, prototype, or research work into scalable manufacturing processes
What Will Make You Successful in This Role
You enjoy hands-on technical work and developing new process capability from the ground up
You are comfortable working in an experimental environment where learning comes through testing, iteration, and analysis
You can connect theory to application and use engineering fundamentals to solve real process challenges
You communicate clearly and work effectively across development, engineering, and research teams
You are motivated by innovation and excited to contribute to next-generation manufacturing and optical technologies
Candidate Backgrounds We Encourage
We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds, including:
Engineers or scientists with industry experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, automation, or advanced manufacturing
Master’s or PhD candidates whose graduate research involved relevant hands-on laboratory, equipment, or process development work
Candidates with experience in process development, optical system design, laser-material interaction, prototyping, or manufacturing technology development
Why Join Corning
This is an opportunity to work on advanced process technologies with the potential for global manufacturing impact. You’ll contribute to the development of innovative laser-enabled solutions, collaborate with highly technical teams, and help bridge early-stage concepts into scalable process capability.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $85,304.00 - $117,293.00 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.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
Our health and well-being benefits include 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) to support you and your family.
Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
Our health and well-being benefits include 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) to support you and your family.
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. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at
[email protected].
Nearest Major Market: Hickory
a.dialogApplyBtn { display: none; }
