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Automation Project Leader

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Date: Nov 17, 2025

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 71683

 

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

With general guidelines and/or under supervision the employee can propose, plan, coordinate, and control small/medium automation projects involving technical systems or under supervision and participate in larger more complex projects. Can provide technical and non-technical guidance (oversight) to ensure the systems are technically and economically successful. Assists in development of solutions and resolving complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide project leadership for automation projects, relocations, modifications, alterations, NPI or manufacturing processes
  • Build adequate cross functional project team for automation projects
  • Present project resource needs to leaders to ensure align and resource gaps are met
  • Establish requirements and loved end state with customer(s)
  • Lead in automation project meetings and document key issues, action items and decisions
  • Establish automation project plans (scope, schedule, cost estimates, project acceptance criteria, etc.) for assigned area of responsibility
  • Establish sub-team working with Operating Division, plant and management. Leads sub team to needed results. Act as an effective team member on larger, broader teams. Establish receivership requirements for automation project
  • Effectively participate in all phases of project methodologies to include appropriate initiation, planning, implementation and control, and close-out elements for automation projects
  • Provide periodic project updates to functional management, plant management, steering team, governance teams, and senior leadership
  • Actively coach other engineers to share expertise. Seek coaching as it relates to customer processes.
  • Share expertise and knowledge to foster continuous improvement of the organization (project team or functional unit)
  • Be an advocate and role model for safety within their area of responsibility
  • Participate in a project critique at completion and share key learnings with others unassociated with the project

Experiences/Education - Required

  • B.S. Engineering or equivalent technical degree
  • 5+ years' experience with Project Management/ Leadership in leading internal or external teams execute automation projects
  • Strong business acumen and the ability to align automation initiatives with manufacturing objectives, including safety, cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
  • Self-starter who can satisfy their objectives and timelines with a minimal amount of supervision
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization, with the ability to deliver clear and concise messages

Experiences/Education - Desired

 

  • MBA
  • Experience in multiple businesses or technical organizations
  • Clear understanding of the 4D Model
  • Prior experience with automation projects or work teams focused on specific technical disciplines
  • Possesses network with Corning global technical community and key external suppliers/ partners
  • External recognition such as Green/ Yellow/ Black Belt, Lean, PMI, Professional Engineering or member of a technical society

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  


The range for this position is $95,997.00 - $131,996.00 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.

 

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.


Nearest Major Market: Hickory

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