Sr. Early-Stage Process Development Engineer
Apply now »Date: Oct 22, 2025
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 71429
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.
Scope of Position:
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Day to Day Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with engineers and technicians to design and develop new process methods and build automation prototypes for fiber optic termination.
- Utilize, develop, or build prototypes to develop process parameters, process capability, and projected rate of industrial system.
- Create operational ranges for parameters defined from experimental development.
- Support project teams and the definition of project deliverables and timelines.
- Work with internal and external subject matter experts to identify key processing technologies and determine feasibility.
- Engage global manufacturing plants to capture manufacturability of proposed solutions and support initial implementation of new process technologies.
- Collaborate with internal and external equipment and tooling designers to establish functional requirements.
- Solve problems and improve processes based on fundamental understanding.
- Structured problem-solving methods such as KT, Designed Experimentation, and Six Sigma.
- Capture new ideas for possible patent submission.
- Author technical reports disseminating experimental findings.
- Ensure that requirements are properly developed and documented in conjunction with appropriate manufacturing, development, and commercial personnel.
- Analyze process data using statistical tools (e.g. pareto, regression, time charting, analysis of variance, gauge R&R, etc.).
- Define experimental plans, measurement methods, and mechanical setups for evaluation of key learning objectives.
- Carry out experimental plans by setting up equipment (such as various types of measurement systems and mechanical apparatus), performing experimentation, data collection & analysis, and providing test reports.
- Maintain and improve a safe work environment.
Required Education and Experience:
- BS in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering, or Equivalent
- Minimum 5 years of experience in engineering
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a research or experimental laboratory environment working with electrical/mechanical assemblies and testing
- Hands-on experience in building lab-based prototypes
- Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers and within multi-national groups.
- Ability to work in technical project teams in a team member role
- Proficient in the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint)
Desired Skills:
- Experience in automation process design
- Design products or manufacturing processes using CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
- Experience with laser processes and applications
- Ability to interpret drawings and schematics
- Capable of performing complex data analysis using MS excel (SPC), or statistical software such as JMP or Minitab
- Familiar with fiber optic theory
- Proficient in the use of DOE, SPC, Six Sigma and other process control/analysis techniques to recommend decisions based on thorough data analysis
- Project management experience and demonstrated application of project management tools
- Proactively collaborates throughout an organization and drives technical culture
- Experience with discrete assembly processing
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $101,784.00 - $139,953.00 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