Emerging Innovations Program Director

Requisition Number: 72308

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, and automotive 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 

Scope of Position:

The Program Director will lead one of our most promising emerging programs into commercialization readiness. This role combines strategic vision, customer-centric product leadership, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial execution. The Program Director will define program strategy, coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets, track milestones, and drive the program toward measurable product-market fit and business viability.

This is a highly visible role responsible for shaping the company’s future portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional matrixed and integrated innovation team that includes representation from Commercial, Manufacturing and Technology and other functions
• Align within the program team and stakeholders, navigating through constraints, at pivotal decision points
• Partner closely with program Sponsor for ongoing coaching, strategic direction, and program advocacy
• Drive the program’s success using Corning's Innovation Process and Tools through multiple phases; continuously assess program viability and make recommendations to leadership on program direction
• Develop and execute overall program plan to achieve program objectives
• Define and manage resources (people, money, assets and time) and adjust in response to changes in the program environment
• Act with a sense of urgency to move the program forward
• Develop deep scientific and engineering (product, process, cost), market, and business case understanding that enables a sustained advantage, through product differentiation and/or long-term manufacturing cost leadership
• Build and integrate technology, manufacturing, and commercial roadmaps into a cohesive business strategy in alignment with the appropriate business unit
• Continuously develop, refine, and validate the quantifiable value proposition throughout the innovation process
• Map and assess the end-to-end value chain to determine where Corning should play within it and highlight and proactively address points of resistance/leverage
• Build long-term collaborative customer relationships to continually validate value proposition, product concept and market opportunity ultimately resulting in revenue generation
• Develop and deploy IP strategy for the program, ensuring that intellectual property is protected while dealing with outside partners, collaborators, and vendors

• Creates key program messages and manages the information flow related to program direction, objectives, needs, and progress with key internal and external constituencies at all levels

• Anticipate risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain program velocity

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in technical or business field
• 10+ years in innovation, product management, strategy, business development, or related roles
• Experience leading early-stage programs, new product development, or venture incubation
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with ambiguous, rapidly changing environments
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and executive-presentation skills
• Proven track record of driving concepts from idea to prototype/pilot

Preferred Education and Experience:

• MBA or advanced degree in a related field
• Experience working within a large enterprise innovation group, venture studio, or accelerator
• Ability to navigate corporate governance, funding, and compliance processes
• Experience with lean startup, design thinking, and hypothesis-driven experimentation

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $177,507.00 - $244,073.00 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.  

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.