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Senior Scientist - Optical Physics

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Date: Apr 2, 2026

Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 74181

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

Join Corning’s Science and Technology Division as a Senior Scientist in Optical Physics and help shape the future of materials science and advanced technology. In this role, you’ll drive innovation across diverse markets—ranging from optical communications and advanced displays to life sciences and energy—by integrating expertise in optics, applied physics, modeling, and materials.

You’ll collaborate with world-class scientists and engineers to deliver breakthrough solutions and accelerate the development of next-generation products and processes. Projects include cutting-edge applications in photonics, next-gen optical fibers, waveguides for AR and integrated optics, quantum technologies, metasurfaces, laser-processing, laser-material interactions, human perception, advanced optical surface treatments for displays, and the development of unique measurements for metrology. Your work will directly impact Corning’s most ambitious initiatives and help define new research and business directions.

At Corning, we are relentless innovators. Our legacy of 175 years is built on pioneering discoveries in glass, ceramics, and optical physics—transforming industries and improving lives around the world. Today, we continue to lead through sustained investment in research and development, a unique blend of material and process innovation, and deep partnerships with customers to solve their toughest challenges.

We thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where agility, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are essential. As a Senior Scientist in Optical Physics, you’ll have the freedom and support to explore bold ideas, rapidly build new capabilities, and be part of a team that turns visionary science into real-world impact.

If you are passionate about solving complex problems, eager to work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, and motivated to make a difference, Corning offers you the opportunity to grow, contribute, and shape the future of technology.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and leverage optical modeling and optical experimental techniques to develop and support next-generation technologies for telecommunications, data centers, solar, and displays.
Work with technical leaders to define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optical solutions
Troubleshoot complex optical challenges, applying root-cause analysis and innovative solutions
Document technical work, and contribute to intellectual property
Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry best practices

Experiences/Education - Required

Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline; or M.S. in related field with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience
Hands-on experience and working knowledge of optical systems, imaging hardware, and measurement instruments
Strong data analysis, technical writing, and presentation skills; proficiency with inter-office tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Curiosity, patience, and desire to learn new technologies that push beyond your current skills
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-performance, multi-disciplinary teams
Effective communication skills for technical and business audiences

Experiences/Education - Desired

Experience in optical materials design or materials used in photonic and optical applications
Experience in designing and analyzing optical systems using various modeling tools
Familiarity with connectivity technologies, optoelectronics, waveguides, display, or scattering optics
Skill in prototyping with various fabrication technologies
Background in product commercialization and technology transfer
Patent, publication, or industry benchmarking experience
Demonstrated ability to lead a focused project with a small team

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $102,650.00 - $141,145.00 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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Corning

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