Supervisor, Laser Process Development

Role Purpose

Corning is seeking a Laser Process Development Supervisor to lead a team of engineers and scientists focused on advanced laser process and optical solution development. In this role, you will set technical direction, drive early-stage innovation, and guide a high-performing team to deliver scalable process capabilities that translate from the lab into Corning's global manufacturing operations. If you are an experienced technical leader who thrives at the intersection of hands-on experimentation, team development, and manufacturing-scale impact, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of laser process development engineers and scientists — including goal-setting, performance management, mentorship, and career development.
• Direct the design, development, and improvement of laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning's global manufacturing facilities, with a focus on scaling early-stage concepts into manufacturing-ready capability.
• Oversee the build and refinement of benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations and optical systems used to evaluate and iterate on new process concepts.
• Champion structured problem-solving — including Design of Experiments (DOE), root cause analysis, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Six Sigma methods — to resolve complex technical challenges and drive continuous process improvement.
• Manage the team's project portfolio, balance lab and capital resources, and partner cross-functionally with Applied R&D, Research, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management to align priorities and deliver results.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of relevant experience in laser processing, optics, photonics, or related process development, including demonstrated experience leading or supervising technical teams or direct reports
• Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light–material interaction
• Working knowledge of optical theory, light propagation, and optical system behavior and components
• Hands-on experimental background, including building or operating lab setups, troubleshooting technical issues, and interpreting experimental data
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable engineering decisions
• Effective written and verbal communication, including the ability to lead technical reviews and present to technical and executive audiences

Experiences/Education - Desired

• PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
• Prior formal supervisory experience managing engineers or scientists in an R&D, process development, or advanced manufacturing environment
• Experience with optical modeling software (e.g., COMSOL, Zemax, or Python-based analytical tools)
• Familiarity with 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and statistical analysis platforms (e.g., Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel)
• Background in one or more of the following: automation and process development, prototype equipment or semi-automated station design, fiber optics and photonics applications, or translating laboratory work into scalable manufacturing processes
• Laser safety leadership experience in a multi-user lab environment (e.g., serving as or supporting a Laser Safety Officer (LSO))