Safety Engineer
Apply now »Date: Aug 7, 2026
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 76754
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
Corning is seeking a Safety Engineer to join our Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) team. In this role, you will design, implement, and sustain workplace safety and environmental programs aligned with OSHA regulations, ISO standards, and Corning's EH&S requirements. You will partner with site leadership and employees at all levels to build a strong safety culture and drive measurable, continuous improvement.
Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Develop and implement EH&S action plans, risk control processes, and compliance procedures aligned with OSHA, ISO 14001/45001, and Corning standards
- Conduct hazard identification and risk assessments — including job safety analysis, pre-startup safety reviews, machine guarding evaluations, and ergonomic assessments — and drive corrective actions to reduce risk
- Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement preventive measures; coach employees and leadership on safety behaviors and risk reduction techniques
- Design and facilitate EH&S training programs for site personnel; maintain EH&S metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct trending analysis to support continuous improvement
- Ensure the Emergency Response Plan remains current; respond to on-site emergency events; oversee contractor and construction safety program compliance
Skills / Competencies
- Communicates EH&S findings and training content clearly to mixed audiences, including frontline employees and senior leadership
- Collaborates across functions to implement safety programs and drive shared accountability
- Diagnoses root cause of incidents and safety gaps; implements corrective actions with appropriate urgency and follow-through
- Manages multiple concurrent safety priorities with minimal supervision
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related engineering or physical sciences field
- 2+ years of safety experience in a manufacturing environment
- 2+ years experience with safety programs including fall protection, confined space entry, machine guarding, powered industrial vehicles, crane and hoist, ergonomics, and electrical safety
- 2+ years experience conducting safety risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety training for site personnel
- Knowledge of behavioral-based safety or human organizational performance programs
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in a related field and/or ASP (Associate Safety Professional) or CSP (Certified Safety Professional) certification — may be considered in lieu of a portion of the experience requirement
- Experience implementing or maintaining EH&S management systems aligned to ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or other recognized EHS standards
- Experience with SharePoint
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $74,756.00 - $102,790.00 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.
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, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
- 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.
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: Hickory