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Staff Scientist - Optics

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Date: Mar 10, 2026

Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 73796

 

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

The candidate will design, model, assemble, analyze and test optical and photonic components and systems.  The candidate will conduct research and development into phases of physical optics, geometric optics, optical materials, optical metrology, laser damage testing and laser material processing.

Key Responsibilities

  • Adhere to laboratory safety protocols
  • Identify sources for, and procure, components including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, opto-mechanics and electronics.
  • Assemble or supervise and manage the assembly of prototypes.
  • Use design-to-cost models, six sigma methodology and other methods to assure optical design requirements are met.
  • Build subject matter expertise in optics, materials, and laser processes
  • Consult or collaborate with other subject matter experts across various business units, from research to manufacturing.
  • Document system designs and results; generate reports and file invention disclosures
  • Make technical internal and external presentations to team members, customers and at conferences
  • Lab organization and the ordering of components or equipment.

Experiences/Education - Required

  • Ph.D preferred in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering or related discipline AND 2 years of relevant industrial experience OR Masters degree and 5 years of relevant industrial experience.
  • Strong working knowledge of optics and optical properties of materials
  • Ability to perform modeling of optical systems using Zemax, CodeV, FRED or a comparable system
  • Strong problem solving skills
  • Effective communicator, oral and written, in a variety of presentation settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers, direct reports and management
  • Strong hands-on experimental skills in building free-space optical and photonic systems
  • Measurement of optical and photonic components and systems
  • Ability to perform complex data analysis
  • Comfortable with traveling up to 25% domestic or international

Experiences/Education - Desired

  • Working knowledge of optical metrology systems such as laser confocal microscopes and optical interferometers
  • Working knowledge of light-matter interactions
  • General understanding of radiometry and photometry
  • Automation of measurement systems (using Labview, C#, MATLAB, Python, etc.)
  • Mechanical design and assembly of prototypes
  • Experience in numerical analysis techniques including beam propagation methods and multi-physics modeling

 

 

 

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

 

The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 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.


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