Laser Process Development Supervisor

Scope of Position

Corning is seeking a Laser Process Development Supervisor to lead a team of engineers and scientists focused on the early-stage development of advanced laser processes and optical solutions. This role is responsible for directing, coaching, and developing a technical team that creates and improves laser-based processes through hands-on experimentation, prototype development, optical system design, automation, and data-driven process optimization.

The supervisor will set technical direction, prioritize project work, manage resources, and ensure the team delivers scalable process innovations that translate from the lab into Corning's global manufacturing footprint. This position is ideal for an experienced technical leader who combines strong fundamentals in laser/optical process development with demonstrated people-leadership skills, and who is motivated by building high-performing teams that bridge research and manufacturing.

Lead, supervise, and develop a team of laser process development engineers and scientists, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, career development, and succession planning.

Set clear goals and expectations for individual team members aligned to program priorities, and provide regular feedback, technical mentorship, and recognition.

Foster a safe, inclusive, and collaborative lab culture that emphasizes laser safety, experimental rigor, learning through iteration, and continuous improvement.

Build technical capability on the team by identifying skill gaps, sponsoring training, and growing depth in laser processing, optics, automation, and process development.

Direct the design, development, and improvement of laser-based processes for potential deployment across Corning facilities worldwide, with a focus on scaling early-stage concepts into manufacturing-ready capability.

Oversee the build, refinement, and troubleshooting of lab-based benchtop and semi-automated prototype stations used to demonstrate, evaluate, and iterate on new process concepts.

Guide the design and development of optical systems, including free-space optics using refractive and reflective components, supporting laser process development and light-material interaction studies.

Review and approve experimental plans to establish process windows, define operating ranges, and characterize laser-material interactions; ensure rigor in DOE design and execution.

Ensure high-quality data analysis and interpretation using statistical and process-analysis tools; coach the team in translating results into immediate actions, long-term corrective measures, and follow-up experiments.

Champion structured problem-solving - including DOE, root cause analysis, SPC, and Six Sigma methods - across the team to resolve complex technical challenges.

Oversee the design and qualification of tooling, fixtures, and process equipment supporting new product development from early prototyping through high-volume manufacturing.

Plan and prioritize the team's project portfolio, balance workloads, allocate lab and capital resources, and manage budgets and schedules to deliver against program commitments.

Partner cross-functionally with Applied R&D, Research, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management leaders to align priorities, remove roadblocks, and translate laboratory work into scalable processes.

Communicate progress, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership through clear technical reviews, status updates, and decision briefings.

Drive documentation of technical work and capture of intellectual property by ensuring the team publishes reports, defines process development guidelines and best practices, and submits novel concepts and inventions for potential patent protection.

Graduate 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, project teams, or direct reports

Working knowledge of laser theory, laser platforms, and light-material interaction, demonstrated through coursework, research, or applied industry experience, with the technical depth to guide and review the team's work.

Working knowledge of optical theory and light propagation, including familiarity with optical system behavior and components.

Hands-on experimental background, including building or operating lab setups, troubleshooting technical issues, and interpreting experimental data, with the credibility to lead a hands-on team.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable engineering decisions and sound program-level direction.

Effective written and verbal communication, including the ability to lead technical reviews, write and edit technical reports, and present results and recommendations to technical and executive audiences.

Proficiency with standard productivity tools (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project) for planning, data analysis, documentation, and project tracking.

Advanced Degree: Master's degree or PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.

Proven people-leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, conflict resolution, and developing engineers and scientists.

Prior formal supervisory experience managing engineers/scientists in an R&D, process development, or advanced manufacturing environment.

Optical Modeling: Experience leading or reviewing analysis of optical systems using software platforms such as COMSOL, Zemax, or language-based tools (e.g., Python).

Tools & Software: Familiarity with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar); statistical analysis platforms (Minitab, JMP, or advanced Excel); and controls, instrumentation, and basic programming.

Methods & Methodologies: Experience deploying DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, or other structured process analysis and control techniques across a team or organization.

Domain Experience: Background leading work 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 and research work into scalable manufacturing processes.

Project and resource management skills, including the ability to plan multiple parallel projects, manage priorities, and track execution.

Laser safety leadership experience (e.g., serving as or partnering with a Laser Safety Officer) in a multi-user lab environment.