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Optical Materials Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems * Experience ...

D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline with an optics focus; or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Ten (10) or more ...

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems * Experience ...

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems * Experience ...

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the ... Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology ...

... and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our ... Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology ...

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the ... Role Purpose Corning is seeking an Optical Fabrication Engineer for its advanced optics technology ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

Bachelor of Science in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field Experience: * Strong Preferred: 3+ years of hands-on experience in grinding/polishing ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Bachelor of Science in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field Experience: * Strong Preferred: 3+ years of hands-on experience in grinding/polishing ...

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Optical Materials Scientist information

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How much do optical materials scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical materials scientist in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical materials scientist do?

An Optical Materials Scientist studies and develops materials that interact with light, such as glass, crystals, polymers, and semiconductors. They investigate how these materials can be used to manipulate light for applications like lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and photonic devices. Their work involves researching material properties, designing experiments, and collaborating with engineers and physicists to create innovative optical technologies. Optical Materials Scientists are essential in industries like telecommunications, imaging, and renewable energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical materials scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Materials Scientist, you need a strong background in materials science, optics, and physics, typically supported by a Ph.D. or master's degree in a related field. Experience with advanced characterization techniques, spectroscopy tools, and simulation software like COMSOL or MATLAB is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are essential for developing innovative optical materials, ensuring precise experimentation, and collaborating successfully on research and development projects.

What are some typical challenges optical materials scientists face when developing new materials for optical applications?

Optical Materials Scientists often encounter challenges such as achieving precise control over material purity and microstructure, which are crucial for optimal optical performance. Meeting stringent requirements for transparency, refractive index, and durability can require extensive experimentation and collaboration with engineers and product designers. Additionally, scaling up synthesis methods from laboratory to manufacturing while maintaining consistent quality is a common hurdle. These challenges make the role both intellectually demanding and highly collaborative, involving close work with multidisciplinary teams.

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

AspectOptical Materials ScientistOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Physics, or Optical Engineering; often includes research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; focus on design and application
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign labs, product development teams, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptics manufacturing, research institutions, tech companiesOptics and photonics companies, telecommunications, aerospace

Optical Materials Scientists focus on developing and analyzing new optical materials, while Optical Engineers apply optical principles to design and improve optical systems. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their primary focus—materials research versus system design.

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Materials Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY • On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and support next-generation optical, photonic, and opto-mechanical technologies.

  • Define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optical solutions.

  • Document and communicate technical work through presentations and contribute to intellectual property.


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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