Senior R&D Technician, Laser Processing

Corning is seeking a Senior R&D Technician, Laser Processing to join the Laser Processing Technologies team within Optical Physics Research & Development at Sullivan Park in Corning, NY. In this onsite, day-shift role, you will support laser-based research, development, and process delivery through the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvement of laser systems and related laboratory processes.

This is an opportunity to contribute directly to experimental work across laser-processing applications for glass, ceramics, and other materials. You will execute experiments, evaluate results, and help deliver samples while working closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, internal customers, and facilities partners. The work is varied and hands-on, requiring sound technical judgment, strong documentation, and a consistent focus on safe, efficient lab operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute laser-processing experiments; collect data and document setups, process settings, observations, and results.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and support repair of laser systems, mechanical equipment, chillers, and related lab infrastructure.
• Evaluate samples and process results using microscopes, measurement tools, and observations; communicate technical findings and improvement recommendations.
• Support the assembly, installation, debugging, and start-up of new laser setups and lab equipment.
• Maintain process, equipment, safety, and operational documentation, including SOPs.
• Support a strong lab safety culture by following procedures, identifying risks, and contributing to safety and process improvements.
• Help maintain laboratory readiness through organization, inventory and supply management, sample movement/shipping, and team training or mentoring.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, science, or another STEM-related field; new graduates with relevant laboratory, technical, or hands-on project experience are encouraged to apply.
  OR
• High school diploma/GED or associate degree plus 3+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, engineering, or technical environment supporting experiments, equipment, materials, or process development.
• Ability to apply scientific method and basic engineering or scientific principles to complete work accurately and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to follow established safety and operating procedures and contribute to a safe laboratory or technical work environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities partners, and other cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory, manufacturing, engineering, or technical experience.
• Experience operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, or supporting technical equipment in a lab, manufacturing, or R&D environment.
• Experience with laser systems, optical equipment, mechanical troubleshooting, cleanroom environments, 3D printing, or SolidWorks.
• Experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, process records, work instructions, or SOPs.
• Experience training, mentoring, or supporting other team members.