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Optical Physics Intern - Summer 2026

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Date: Dec 11, 2025

Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 71987

 

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, and automotive 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 

Role Purpose

Join Corning’s Optical Physics group as a summer intern focused on integrated glass waveguides for high-density optical interconnects. This team advances glass-based photonic technologies to enable reliable, scalable optical connectivity for next-generation data applications and co-packaged optics. Interns will work under the guidance of experienced scientists on waveguide design, optical characterization, and fiber-to-chip coupling, contributing to experimental design, execution, and data analysis. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain industrial research experience in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Learn, design, and implement integrated optical waveguides in glass to meet performance targets for high-density interconnects. This may include optical components such as splitters, bends, crossings, couplers, etc.
  • Design and perform hands-on or automated optical characterization to measure optical properties such as insertion loss, coupling efficiency, crosstalk, scattering, etc.
  • Design and realize opto-mechanical setups for handling and alignment of optical fibers and photonic components to integrated waveguides
  • Document experimental findings, analyze results, and contribute to project meetings and reports that may turn into patent applications or research publications
  • Support rigorous lab safety, teamwork, and proactive work culture

 

Program Perks: 

  • Competitive salary and assistance with housing and travel
  • Exposure to world-class industrial research and multi-disciplinary teams
  • Opportunity to meet and learn from technicians, scientists, management, and senior leadership

 

Intern Activities:

  • Social and networking opportunities within the internship cohort
  • Weekly tech talks across Corning
  • Community involvement through employee resource groups

Experiences/Education - Required

  • Currently pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photononics, Materials Science or related fields. 
  • Must be available for 10 weeks during Summer 2026 (May 27-July 31, 2026) with a graduation date of December 2026 or later.
  • Be interested in working for Corning Inc. after graduation, if presented with a full-time job opportunity
  • Work on-site at the posted location: Corning, NY. 

Experiences/Education - Desired

  • Previous experience designing integrated waveguides and/or optical characterization techniques
  • Familiarity with photonics simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, RSoft) or electromagnetic solvers.
  • Experience with optical fiber handling, alignment, and coupling to integrated waveguides
  • Experience operating optical test equipment (e.g., optical power meters, OSAs, cameras, microscopes, opto-mechanics)
  • Basic data analysis or scripting skills (e.g., Python or MATLAB)
  • Exposure to waveguide layout/CAD tools or microfabrication/cleanroom processes

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.


​The range for this position is $1,635.00 - $3,185.00 biweekly.  Starting pay for the successful applicant is prescribed based on geographic location, nature of position, and year in school.

 

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

 

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.

 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


Nearest Major Market: Corning

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