Senior Materials Engineer
Apply now »Date: Aug 4, 2026
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 76828
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 of the Position:
- Lead and deliver transformational raw material cost reduction for optical cables worldwide.
- Improve existing manufacturing processes for cost/performance using fundamental knowledge on materials, equipment, and process control.
- Solve manufacturing process issues through data analysis, experimentation, and collaboration with other team members, including subject matter experts.
- Document and communicate lessons learned and knowledge gained from projects across different organizations.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
- Lead regional or worldwide materials projects to increase capability, achieve improved consistency, or achieve material cost reduction with similar or increased product quality.
- Assess potential material changes Quality Architectures/PQA implications.
- Drives early identification of material specification changes, assesses other department's engagement requirements, and ensures implementation of actions to ensure Cost Reduction improvement.
- Interfaces with Technology Materials team, Division Engineering ORM team and Manufacturing to understand all Raw Material Specifications and roadmap substitution and alternate materials projects.
- Solve process issues through data analysis, experimentation, and collaboration with subject matter experts.
- Provide engineering expertise for fundamental understanding of manufacturing issues.
- Independently manage multiple priorities and projects within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring timely execution and delivery of results.
- Collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, building strong partnerships to drive alignment, solve problems, and achieve project objectives.
Travel Requirements: Up to 25% to suppliers and various manufacturing sites in Corning.
Education and Experience: Required
- BS or MS in the following Engineering Disciplines: Materials, Chemical, Mechanical, or Polymer Engineering and Science with 5+ years’ experience in a Manufacturing Environment.
- Demonstrated ability to apply scientific methodology, data-driven analysis, and engineering principles to solve complex manufacturing problems and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
- Strong data analysis and statistical skills. Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel, Access, and Minitab, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate alternatives and recommend optimal, data-driven solutions that align with manufacturing, quality, and business objectives.
Education and Experience: Desired
- Effectively analysis and simplifies data from multiple sources and set direction as required.
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership by establishing clear direction, setting challenging goals, and driving accountability to achieve measurable business results.
- Knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting.
- Project management experience.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $95,402.00 - $131,179.00 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: Hickory