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Experimental Optical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$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 ...

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$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 ...

Optical Materials Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Experimental Validation: Create and execute comprehensive laboratory characterization plans to ... Education: BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of ...

Optical Materials Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Experimental Validation: Create and execute comprehensive laboratory characterization plans to ... Education: BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of ...

PhD or Masters in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or ... experimental laboratory work (i.e., demonstrated ability to take concepts, adapt them and translate ...

Display Research Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$154K - $217K/yr

... optical experiments, working in a lab environment as a core part of the job • Experience ... scientific research, including computing, design and simulation, experiments, and data analysis • ...

PhD or Masters in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or ... experimental laboratory work (i.e., demonstrated ability to take concepts, adapt them and translate ...

What You Will Be Doing Helion is hiring an Experimental Scientist to support the development ... optical diagnostics, or related measurement systems. * Ability to operate autonomously on ...

Senior Experimental Scientist

Everett, WA · On-site

$210K - $250K/yr

Helion is hiring a Senior Experimental Scientist to support and advance the plasma diagnostics ... diagnostics, optical diagnostics, or related measurement systems * Demonstrated ability to ...

Our scientists have experience designing, modeling, and prototyping advanced display systems. This ... Hands-on experiences on designing and executing optical experiments, working in a lab environment ...

MS preferred in Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline. * 5+ ... Experience with Design of Experiments and associated methodologies for optical components/systems.

$67K - $92K/yr

(Senior) Scientist, Optical Technologies Cambridge, MA USA Help Expand What We Can See in Biology At ... Design and execute experiments using advanced optical and vibrational spectroscopy measurement ...

What You Will Be Doing Helion is hiring an Experimental Scientist to support the development ... optical diagnostics, or related measurement systems. * Ability to operate autonomously on ...

Experimental Scientist

Everett, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Helion is hiring an Experimental Scientist to support the development, deployment, calibration, and ... optical diagnostics, or related measurement systems * Ability to operate autonomously on day-to-day ...

Optical Engineer - Solon

Solon, OH · On-site

$119K - $155K/yr

D., in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field ... Monte Carlo, design of experiments, measurement uncertainty * Experience with tolerance analysis in ...

Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize optical components and systems (e.g ... Coach and mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians. Interface with military and commercial ...

Showing results 41-60

Experimental Optical Scientist information

See salary details

$33K

$85.5K

$140.5K

How much do experimental optical scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,539 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY • On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


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: 76288

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

Drive innovation in optical, photonic, and opto-mechanical technologies through the design, development, and characterization of advanced components and systems. In this role, you’ll drive early-stage invention through prototype demonstration and validation across diverse markets—ranging from optical communications, datacenter interconnects, AI computing, advanced optical connectivity solutions and advanced displays to life sciences and energy—by integrating expertise in optics, applied physics, modeling, and materials. supporting applications such as optical communications, datacenter interconnects, AI computing, and advanced optical connectivity solutions

Day to Day Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and leverage optical modeling and optical experimental techniques to develop and support next-generation technologies for telecommunications, data centers, solar, and displays.
  • Work with technical leaders to define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optical solutions
  • Apply rigorous analytical methods to develop fundamental understanding and solve complex technical challenges, via root-cause analysis and innovative solutions
  • Lead or contribute to focused technical projects, providing technical guidance to scientists, engineers, and technicians
  • Document and communicate technical work, through presentations to internal teams, customers and external forums, and contribute to intellectual property
  • Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry best practices
  • Occasional travel for collaboration, benchmarking, or conference participation

Required Skills

  • Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline; or M.S. in related field with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience
  • Hands-on experience and working knowledge of optical systems, imaging hardware, and optical test and measurement systems
  • Strong ownership and ability to deliver results with minimal supervision
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges independently
  • Strong data analysis, technical writing, and presentation skills; proficiency with inter-office tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Curiosity, patience, and an innovative mindset with a desire to learn new technologies that push beyond your current skills and experience
  • Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-performance, multi-disciplinary teams
  • Effective communication skills for technical and business audiences

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems
  • Experience in designing and analyzing optical systems using various modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent
  • Knowledge of optical connectivity, telecommunications systems, and datacenter or AI interconnect architectures
  • Familiarity with optical connectivity technologies, optoelectronics, optical waveguides, display, or scattering optics
  • Programming skills for automation, data acquisition, and process control (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)
  • Experience in prototype development, product commercialization, and technology transfer
  • Track record of patents, publications, or external technical contributions and benchmarking experience
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate in a small team on focused projects

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $102,650.00 - $141,145.00 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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