Process Development Manager

Scope of Position

The successful candidate would work in the Advanced Optics (AO) Development group of the Science and Technology Division. Advanced Optics is a global leader in providing cutting-edge material and optical solutions that serve a variety of commercial markets including semiconductor manufacturing, microfabrication, consumer electronics, and more. Corning’s unmatched expertise in specialty glass and optical physics results in a diverse set of advanced optical products and components. The intersection of optics with novel glass materials has created unique opportunities to expand our markets.

The Process Development Manager will lead projects and provide technical leadership for materials process development and deliver processes and products to the Advanced Optics business. This person will develop new processes focused on transformational cost reductions of existing processes to deliver higher margin products, to meet the requirements of different segments in the AO businesses. In addition, the individual will collaborate with other functions such as Research and Division Engineering, Manufacturing organizations through transferring processes and knowledge as necessary.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Leads and manages complex technology development projects involving high purity powder synthesis, processing, sintering, finishing, and measurement.
• Coordinates multi-location and cross-functional project teams, aligning engineering, operations, finance, and Product Line Managers to ensure cohesive execution.
• Prepares and oversees detailed project plans including scope, objectives, milestones, timelines, and resource allocation, with attention to business case creation and ROI tracking.
• Ensures efficient, timely, and high-quality project execution using the most appropriate internal and external resources and partners.
• Supports technology platform leaders in planning and managing R&D activities, including cost modeling and identifying margin levers to link process changes to P&L impact.
• Collaborates with Process and Product leadership teams in a highly integrated environment to develop and transfer technologies into manufacturing, while leading through resistance and ambiguity.
• Provides guidance to R&D Engineers in conducting cross-functional design reviews, analyzing concepts, and evaluating cost-effectiveness of component and assembly designs.
• Contributes to the creation of technology and product roadmaps. 
• Up to 50% domestic travel required.

Experiences/Education - Required

• PhD in Material Science or Chemical Engineering with at least 10 years of professional experience and at least 5 years of technical project leadership experience.
• Expertise in inorganic materials processing and transformation, with the ability to assimilate information efficiently on new manufacturing or technical domains.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with a track record of redesigning workflows beyond incremental improvements.
• Demonstrated experience in technology project planning and execution, with systems thinking that considers end-to-end value streams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent oral, written, and influence skills.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous and evolving conditions.