Development Engineer

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Company: Corning Incorporated

Location: Hickory, NC 28601

Description:

Requisition Number: 68176

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.

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Purpose

Are you a hands-on engineer with a passion for innovation and development? We're looking for a Process Development Engineer to join our team and drive advancements in extrusion processes and cable products. While specific knowledge of fiber optic cable processes is a plus, it's not a dealbreaker-your expertise in engineering and enthusiasm for continuous process improvement are what matter most.

About the Role

As a Process Development Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in new product and process development. You'll be tasked with establishing tooling, equipment, and process design requirements, while developing ideal machine set points for manufacturing. Your experience in designing and developing continuous manufacturing processes, including layout and equipment, will be vital in ensuring operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with project teams to develop innovative products and processes that address customer needs while contributing intellectual property to deliver value.
  • Design, develop, and optimize equipment and continuous manufacturing processes, including setting specifications, implementing designs, and planning installations.
  • Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to test hypotheses for advancing products and processes.
  • Guide development technicians in achieving project milestones and provide hands-on technical leadership.
  • Collect, interpret, and communicate results through technical reports and presentations.
  • Commission and qualify new processes within factories, ensuring alignment with global teams in the US, Germany, and Poland.
  • Conduct risk assessments to prioritize safety, environmental impact, and product reliability across equipment and processes.
  • Work with suppliers to resolve material issues and maintain relationships for staying updated on new material availability.


Soft Skills

  • Positive attitude and results-driven mindset.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills, adaptable across teams, management, and customers.
  • Strong collaboration and facilitation skills to handle ambiguous scenarios.
  • Personal initiative and attention to detail, with a bias toward action.
  • Exceptional relationship-building abilities.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent).
  • 0-5+ years of professional experience in extrusion processes.
  • Proven problem-solving skills using structured techniques and demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a team-based environment with minimal supervision.
  • Strong communication skills-written and verbal-with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.


Desired Qualifications

  • Master's degree (MS) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent).
  • Experience in computer-aided design for mechanical drawings and continuous process development.
  • Polymer extrusion experience is highly advantageous.
  • Competency in complex data analysis using tools like MS Excel (SPC), JMP, or Minitab.
  • Project management expertise, with a knack for using AI-assisted design and simulation software.
  • Familiarity with process modeling.


This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $85,304.00 - $117,293.00 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. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

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, and career from day one
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows throughout your career. We also offer a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, and disease management programs.
  • 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.
  • 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 peer-to-peer recognition program to celebrate success by recognizing colleagues who demonstrate above-and-beyond behaviors.


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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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