Manufacturing Department Head

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Date: Jul 29, 2026

Location: Fairport, NY, US, 14450

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 76708

 

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.  



The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices.

 

We are seeking a Manufacturing Department Head to lead three manufacturing operations teams focused on execution excellence and product ramp within a high-precision manufacturing environment. In this role, you will facilitate and direct daily production activities for the PO operations teams to ensure control and compliance with established process controls and operational procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the PO operations teams (Optical Fabrication, Coating, Assembly & Test) consisting of Operations Department Heads, Team Leaders, and Optical Manufacturing Technicians.
  • Lead daily operations support and drive resolution for issues quickly across the PO operations teams.
  • Assist in the development of an operating plan for Precision Optics that aligns with division and plant manufacturing strategies to meet key performance metrics.
  • Communicate and report production and process performance to production teams, plant operations staff, functional leaders, and executive leadership teams.
  • Ensure that production targets and delivery requirements are met on a daily and weekly basis.
  • Engage with plant teams and functional groups to identify and implement process improvements and cost reduction projects.
  • Improve PCPD across the PO operations teams to strengthen process control, documentation, data analysis, statistical process control, and standard work.
  • Develop a balanced and capable operations team by setting clear expectations, providing coaching and feedback, and developing operations talent at the plant.
  • Drive strong accountability, ownership, and empowerment across the PO engineering teams.


Required Experience and Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline, Science, Business, or related field.
  • 10+ years in manufacturing or engineering
  • 5+ years of frontline supervisory or leadership experience in a plant manufacturing environment
  • Demonstrated capability to hold themselves and team members accountable to process control and discipline

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with volume ramps in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience applying problem solving and continuous improvement methodologies: Performance Excellence, DMAIC, Lean, Data Analysis, 5S
  • Experience working with ERP Systems such as SAP and MES’
  • Understanding technical details and impacts of the process and requirements for successful performance, quality, and delivery.
  • Excellent follow-up and documentation skills.
  • Ability to build relationships within cross-functional groups. Ability to work with all levels of the organization.
  • Strong communication skills

Work Hours: 

  • Standard hours (Monday – Friday,  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) 
  • Flexible hours may be required to support off-hour and/or weekend operation requirements 

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

 

The range for this position is $136,243.00 - $187,335.00 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: Rochester

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