Senior R&D Technician, Laser Processing

Requisition Number: 78323

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 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.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $78,274.00 - $107,628.00 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 View email address on us.fitly.work .