OFC Operations Intern - Summer 2026
Apply now »Date: Nov 18, 2025
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 69378
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
The Manufacturing Process Engineer Intern will apply engineering principles and practices to accomplish technical assignments and projects independently, using sound engineering and scientific methods. The role involves actively collaborating across departmental boundaries to address critical process and product issues and enhancing manufacturing capabilities by implementing innovative ideas and methods. The successful candidate will independently lead projects to meet departmental goals, including cost reduction, productivity improvement, process flow optimization, capacity expansion, scrap reduction, and process/product enhancements.
Program Perks:
- Competitive salaries
- Assistance with housing and travel
- Meaningful project and final project presentation
Intern Activities:
- Social and networking opportunities
- Weekly tech talks
- Community involvement
Key Responsibilities
- Production Support:
- Provide technical support to cable manufacturing operations in a 24/7 production environment.
- Analyze data, troubleshoot equipment and process issues, and develop solutions to recurring problems.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize production processes.
- Process and Equipment Improvements:
- Initiate and implement improvements to processes or equipment to reduce scrap, minimize costs, increase run rates, reduce changeover times, and enhance product performance and quality.
- Apply engineering principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Project Management:
- Manage all aspects of introducing new equipment or processes into production, including financial justification, design, specification, purchasing, and tracking project-related expenses.
- Develop maintenance and operator training documentation, conduct equipment qualification, and provide initial training for production personnel.
- Establish repair parts stocking levels as needed to support new equipment or processes.
- Documentation:
- Formally document all aspects of project execution, including updates to production procedures.
- Product Development Support:
- Provide technical support during product development and create plans for integrating equipment/processes into production.
- Ensure new technologies are repeatable and sustainable in a production environment prior to transfer.
Experiences/Education - Required
Education:
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering (preferred).
- Completion of at least one semester of relevant coursework.
- Must be available for 10 weeks during Summer 2026 (May-August 2026) with a graduation date of December 2026 or later
- Be interested in working for Corning, Inc after graduation, if presented with a full-time job opportunity.
- Be willing to work at the posted job location
Technical Skills:
- Strong technical foundation with knowledge of process engineering or lean manufacturing principles.
- Ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries and integrate solutions effectively.
- Results-oriented with a high level of commitment to achieving goals.
- Ability to quickly learn new technologies and processes.
- Excellent analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
Soft Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and enable others.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $1,635.00 - $3,185.00 biweekly. Starting pay for the successful applicant is prescribed based on geographic location, nature of position, and year in school.
A job that shapes a life.
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