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Date: Jul 28, 2026
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
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Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 76142
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.
Role Purpose
Corning is seeking a Laser Process Development Supervisor to lead a team of engineers and scientists focused on advanced laser process and optical solution development. In this role, you will set technical direction, drive early-stage innovation, and guide a high-performing team to deliver scalable process capabilities that translate from the lab into Corning's global manufacturing operations. If you are an experienced technical leader who thrives at the intersection of hands-on experimentation, team development, and manufacturing-scale impact, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop a team of laser process development engineers and scientists — including goal-setting, performance management, mentorship, and career development.
Direct the design, development, and improvement of laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning's global manufacturing facilities, with a focus on scaling early-stage concepts into manufacturing-ready capability.
Oversee the build and refinement of benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations and optical systems used to evaluate and iterate on new process concepts.
Champion structured problem-solving — including Design of Experiments (DOE), root cause analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Six Sigma methods — to resolve complex technical challenges and drive continuous process improvement.
Manage the team's project portfolio, balance lab and capital resources, and partner cross-functionally with Applied R&D, Research, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management to align priorities and deliver results.
Experiences/Education - Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree 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, including demonstrated experience leading or supervising technical teams or direct reports
Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light–material interaction
Working knowledge of optical theory, light propagation, and optical system behavior and components
Hands-on experimental background, 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, including the ability to lead technical reviews and present to technical and executive audiences
Experiences/Education - Desired
PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
Prior formal supervisory experience managing engineers or scientists in an R&D, process development, or advanced manufacturing environment
Experience with optical modeling software (e.g., COMSOL, Zemax, or Python-based analytical tools)
Familiarity with 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and statistical analysis platforms (e.g., Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel)
Background in one or more of the following: automation and process development, prototype equipment or semi-automated station design, fiber optics and photonics applications, or translating laboratory work into scalable manufacturing processes
Laser safety leadership experience in a multi-user lab environment (e.g., serving as or supporting a Laser Safety Officer (LSO))
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $122,978.00 - $169,095.00 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
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