Engineer III
Apply now »Date: Dec 12, 2025
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 72288
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.
Purpose:
The Lean Manufacturing Manager will lead, plan, and continuously improve Lean Manufacturing initiatives at the site. This role is responsible for implementing both foundational and transformational Lean competencies, including but not limited to Value Stream Mapping, Visual Performance Metrics, Kaizen, Work Standardization, Gemba Engagement, workplace design, inventory controls, capacity flexibility, flow smoothing, and value-added analysis. The goal is to drive ongoing improvements in quality, cost, delivery, employee morale, and safety.
This position will also collaborate with other Corning locations to align initiatives, promote best practices, and ensure consistency in systems and procedures across plants. The incumbent will develop and implement systems, processes, and projects that support the achievement of plant, divisional, and corporate objectives.
Responsibilities:
Lean Strategy Development & Implementation
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for a self-sustaining Lean program.
- Track and analyze Lean metrics to measure and verify the effectiveness of Lean improvements.
- Establish and update standards to ensure sustainability, continuous improvement, and alignment with divisional and corporate initiatives.
Employee Training and Cultural Transformation
- Educate and coach employees on Lean principles, vision, and expectations.
- Develop and sustain a Lean training and development strategy, emphasizing team accountability and problem-solving.
- Mentor and provide leadership to site Lean resources while fostering a Lean culture by overcoming paradigms and obstacles.
Lean Implementation
- Lead Value Stream Mapping exercises to identify, document, and execute opportunities for business improvements, including cycle time, capacity, and cost enhancements.
- Plan and lead continuous improvement activities through Kaizen events and facilitate Gemba walks to identify and implement improvements.
- Develop and implement sustainable Lean programs such as 5S, Visual Control, Load Smoothing, and Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED).
- Facilitate workplace flow and layout design, as well as equipment installation, modification, and relocation, in alignment with Lean principles.
Benchmarking and Best Practices
- Identify and deploy benchmarking opportunities across Corning locations to share and implement best practices.
Employee Development & Talent Pipeline
- Partner with Human Resources to develop and execute strategies for employee growth and development, creating a talent pipeline for Lean-focused roles.
Cost Reduction and Process Improvement
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams on cost reduction projects, including Value Stream Mapping and zero-based staffing model activities.
Budget Management
- Plan and achieve budget objectives for operational expenses and capital investments.
Safety and Compliance
- Ensure all work is performed in a safe manner and maintain a safe work environment.
- Take proactive measures to identify and address unsafe conditions, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering preferred) or equivalent experience.
- 4 years experience in engineering or manufacturing
- Six Sigma knowledge or Green Belt certification preferred, with demonstrated application of Six Sigma tools.
- Proven leadership experience with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, analytics, and problem-solving.
- Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing methods, systems, and production processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Visio, Project).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to present ideas and data to gain understanding, consensus, and support.
- Process- and results-oriented, with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Key Competencies:
- Leadership and mentoring skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to drive cultural transformation and overcome resistance to change.
- Collaboration and partnership skills to align with cross-functional teams and other locations.
Work Environment and Safety:
The Lean Manufacturing Supervisor is responsible for ensuring their own safety, as well as the safety of others within the facility. This includes observing and enforcing safe work practices and proactively addressing any safety concerns.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $102,848.00 - $141,416.00 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