Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping

Scope of Position

Responsible for leading rapid prototyping activities supporting the design, development, and delivery of optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks. The Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping oversees prototype execution from concept through build and delivery, ensuring prototypes are functional, timely, cost-effective, and aligned with development objectives. This execution-focused leadership role applies practical engineering knowledge, supplier coordination, fabrication planning, and structured problem-solving to support product and process development across Corning divisions, research, and development programs. Operating primarily at the project and team level, the Supervisor leads and supports engineers and technicians, collaborates cross-functionally with internal customers and external partners, and drives prototype readiness, manufacturability input, and continuous improvement in rapid prototyping capabilities.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Lead and support rapid prototyping teams in the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic network applications.
• Drive prototype execution from concept through build, evaluation, and handoff to Technology teams or manufacturing operations, meeting functional, timing, and cost objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve prototype responsiveness, build quality, cost, and execution efficiency through improved materials, fabrication methods, supplier coordination, and process standardization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customers, Market Development, Product Line Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and advanced R&D to ensure prototype objectives, feasibility, and manufacturability are aligned.
• Contribute to prototype planning, resource coordination, and execution strategy in support of product and technology development roadmaps.
• Maintain awareness of emerging fabrication methods, tooling approaches, assembly techniques, and optical connectivity technologies and support their application across new product introductions and process improvements.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts, tooling designers, fabrication suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cable assembly houses to establish build requirements and deliver prototypes effectively.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Project Management, or applicable technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a development, prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or experimental laboratory environment, with a proven track record of supporting prototype design, build, and delivery activities.
• Experience coordinating technical projects from concept through prototype build and evaluation.
• Experience working across multiple product concepts, fabrication methods, and/or manufacturing processes.
• Experience providing technical direction or leadership to engineers, technicians, or project teams.
• Strong understanding of prototype development processes, including design coordination, material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, and delivery.
• Knowledge of optical connectivity solutions, including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable fundamentals.
• Ability to translate customer and development team requirements into practical, functional prototype solutions.
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methods in a fast-paced development environment.
• Proven ability to lead and influence project teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills grounded in practical and data-driven approaches.
• Ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and coordinate internal and external resources.
• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical capability.
• Ability to clearly express technical ideas and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in optical connectivity, fiber optic cable assemblies, connectorization, or related optical network hardware.
• Familiarity with prototype tooling, fabrication methods, pilot builds, and process documentation.
• Experience working with suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and global manufacturing plants.
• Experience supporting manufacturability assessment and implementation of new process technologies.
• Project management experience with demonstrated use of formal tools and methodologies.
• Experience driving continuous improvement, innovation, and technical capability growth within development or prototyping organizations.