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Experimental Optical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Staff Scientist - IOX Metrology

Corning, NY

$109K - $149K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Design, build, and optimize experimental optical laboratory setups for measurement of stress ...

Corning

Staff Scientist - IOX Metrology

Corning, NY

$109K - $149K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Design, build, and optimize experimental optical laboratory setups for measurement of stress ...

DutchTechX

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation ... Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation ... Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation ... Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation ... Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation ... Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist ...

Corning

Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Corning, NY · On-site

Partner with experimental teams to validate modeling results against measured data and propose ... PhD in optical sciences, physics, or a closely related discipline * Broad knowledge of optics ...

Corning

Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Corning, NY · On-site

Partner with experimental teams to validate modeling results against measured data and propose ... PhD in optical sciences, physics, or a closely related discipline * Broad knowledge of optics ...

Corning

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY

$75K - $103K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and leverage optical modeling and optical experimental ...

Corning

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY

$77K - $106K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and leverage optical modeling and optical experimental ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsExperimental Optical Scientist Jobs

Experimental Optical Scientist information

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$33K

$85.5K

$140.5K

How much do experimental optical scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for experimental optical scientist in the United States is $85,539.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Experimental Optical Scientist vs Optical Engineer?

AspectExperimental Optical ScientistOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in optics, physics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in optical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsProduct development, manufacturing, systems design
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, academia, government labsTech companies, optical systems firms, aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonExperimental Optical Scientist vs Optical Engineer

Experimental Optical Scientists focus on fundamental research and developing new optical theories and materials, often working in labs or academia. Optical Engineers apply optical principles to design, develop, and improve optical systems and devices, typically in industry settings. While both roles require strong optics knowledge, Experimental Optical Scientists are more research-oriented, whereas Optical Engineers focus on practical application and product development.

What are popular job titles related to Experimental Optical Scientist jobs?

For Experimental Optical Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Experimental Optical Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,539 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Staff Scientist - IOX Metrology

Corning, NY

Corning
See more jobs at Corningexternal

$109K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and improve optical metrology methods for chemically strengthened glass and ion exchange process characterization.

  • Design, build, and optimize experimental optical laboratory setups for measuring stress, birefringence, retardation, refractive index, and waveguiding behavior in glass.

  • Analyze experimental data and correlate optical measurements with glass composition, IOX conditions, stress profiles, and material performance.

Corning rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Requisition Number: 76702
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 Staff Scientist will support Gorilla Glass Development through the advancement of optical metrology methods for chemically strengthened glass. This role is part of the IOX Metrology Group and focuses on the development and application of measurement techniques used to characterize stress-related optical behavior in glass materials.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in physics and optics, with deep expertise in polarization optics, birefringence, retardation, material photoelasticity, and waveguide optics. This position requires a combination of theoretical insight, hands-on experimental capability, and strong analytical problem-solving skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and improve optical metrology methods for chemically strengthened glass and ion exchange (IOX) process characterization.
  • Design, build, and optimize experimental optical laboratory setups for measurement of stress, birefringence, retardation, refractive index, and waveguiding behavior in glass.
  • Apply polarization-based measurement techniques to characterize transparent materials and interpret stress-related optical phenomena.
  • Analyze experimental data and correlate optical measurements with glass composition, IOX conditions, stress profiles, and material performance.
  • Troubleshoot optical experiments, instrumentation, and measurement methods to improve accuracy, repeatability, and capability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including materials, process, and product development to support technology development and process optimization.
  • Document technical work, communicate findings, and provide recommendations based on scientific analysis.

Experiences/Education - Required
  • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related technical field OR Master's degree with significant relevant experience may also be considered
  • Deep expertise in:
    • Polarization optics
    • Birefringence and retardation
    • Material photoelasticity
    • Waveguide Optics
  • Hands-on experience designing and operating experimental optical lab setups.
  • Strong working knowledge of optical instrumentation and characterization techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, solve technical problems, and communicate results effectively.

Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Experience with glass metrology, chemically strengthened glass, or ion exchange (IOX) processes.
  • Background in stress-optic effects, stress in glass, residual stress measurement, retardation mapping, or birefringence characterization.
  • Experience with optical modeling, ray tracing, or related simulation tools.
  • Experience in industrial R&D, metrology development, or process-facing product development.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $109,049.00 - $149,943.00 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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