Lead Scientist - Laser Damage & Optical Materials
About The Position
Corning Incorporated is hiring a Lead Scientist – Laser Damage & Optical Materials in Corning, NY. This is a full-time onsite role working Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexibility as needed. Travel averages 10–25%, project dependent. Relocation assistance is available. This position requires candidates to be U.S. persons; visa sponsorship is not available. Few labs in the world do what this one does. This is a role for a scientist who wants to work at the frontier of laser-materials interaction — and turn those answers into the optics powering semiconductor lithography, AI infrastructure, and aerospace and defense. You'll set the technical direction for Corning's Advanced Optics laser damage testing lab — a world-class deep-UV testing capability — and lead a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians shaping the next generation of optical materials.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, Solid-State or Physical Chemistry, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of post-academic experience in optical materials, laser physics, or related R&D.
- Demonstrated experience leading and directing technical teams.
- Deep expertise in laser-materials interactions and optical materials test methods.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with deep-UV, excimer, or high-power laser systems.
- Background in semiconductor lithography optics, directed energy, or high-energy laser applications.
- Demonstrated ability to shape technical strategy and communicate to senior leadership.
- Experience leading capital projects and developing high-performing teams.
- Track record of innovation through publications, patents, or product impact.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and direction to a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, delegating work and mentoring across the group.
- Own strategy and operations for a state-of-the-art laser damage testing laboratory.
- Lead investigations into laser-materials interactions and damage mechanisms in single-crystal materials, glasses, and coatings.
- Translate fundamental insights into product innovation, technical roadmaps, and business strategy.
- Partner with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams to improve existing product lines and identify new materials solutions.
- Benchmark Corning's products against competitive technologies and support customer engagements as a technical expert.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance is available.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
