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Lead Scientist - Laser Damage & Optical Materials

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Date: Jun 2, 2026

Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 75362

 

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.  

 

Corning’s businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

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.

 

Few labs in the world do what this one does. This is a role for a scientist who wants to work at the frontier of laser-materials interaction — and turn those answers into the optics powering semiconductor lithography, AI infrastructure, and aerospace and defense. You'll set the technical direction for Corning's Advanced Optics laser damage testing lab — a world-class deep-UV testing capability — and lead a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians shaping the next generation of optical materials.

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.

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

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. 

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 accommodations@corning.com.


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