Process Engineer, Optical Systems
Apply now »Date: Jul 10, 2026
Location: Concord, NC, US, 28026
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 76406
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.
Scope of Position:
Individual contributor role requiring technical curiosity across optics, manufacturing systems, data analytics, and process optimization. Provides technical leadership and analytical support to a 24/7 Optical Communications manufacturing facility to improve product quality, equipment reliability, manufacturing performance, and cost competitiveness.
The role combines optical measurement expertise, statistical modeling, process mapping, visualization, and algorithm-based problem solving to identify opportunities, optimize system performance, support new technology deployment, and advance digital manufacturing solutions.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
• Provide engineering-level support for optical measurement equipment, systems, and related manufacturing processes.
• Solve manufacturing and measurement-system issues using data analysis, experimentation, process modeling, statistical methods, and collaboration with SMEs.
• Lead/support projects for cost reduction, process optimization, new products/processes, equipment deployment, and digital transformation.
• Analyze large manufacturing and measurement datasets to identify trends, variation, capability, risk, and improvement priorities.
• Develop dashboards, visualizations, analytical tools, process maps, models, and documentation to support decision making and repeatable operations.
• Recommend and implement improvements to chronic issues, equipment performance, quality architecture, process repeatability, and product performance.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate key performance metrics while developing predictive and proactive response strategies.
• Support plant safety initiatives, train operations on equipment/process changes, and assure process and product quality.
Travel Requirements: minimal
Hours of work/work schedule/flextime:
• 40+ hours/week; occasional unscheduled off-hours support based on plant priorities.
Required Education:
• BS or MS in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or equivalent degree.
Required Years and Area of Experience:
• 2+ years’ work experience in systems development or manufacturing.
Required Skills:
• Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, practical judgment, and ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Knowledge of basic optics, optical systems, electrical systems, statistics, experimental design, and process optimization.
• Experience interpreting large datasets, creating visualizations/metrics, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Able to lead or contribute to technical project teams, multitask, prioritize independently, and work effectively across all levels.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; experience with process maps, workflows, and performance metrics.
Desired Skills:
• Optical test/measurement techniques, equipment setup/alignment, computer-based measurement, automation, optical manufacturing, and device testing.
• Manufacturing experience with Gauge R&R, MSA, measurement uncertainty, Six Sigma Green Belt/DMAIC, process capability, yield, and measurement-system analysis.
• Experience with SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, Databricks, JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, or similar analytical/statistical tools.
• Dashboard/report automation, machine learning, predictive analytics, process mining, value stream mapping, workflow optimization, digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, or smart factory concepts.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $95,386.00 - $131,156.00 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.
Nearest Major Market: Charlotte
Nearest Secondary Market: Concord