Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Purpose:

The Senior Prototyping Engineer designs, builds, and coordinates prototypes for optical connectivity solutions used in fiber optic networks. This hands-on role supports a low-volume, development-oriented prototype line and works closely with technicians, engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, customers, and external suppliers.

The position is responsible for translating product and customer needs into practical prototype designs, materials, tooling, assembly processes, and build plans. The engineer supports fiber optic connector and cable assembly development, process improvement, technical troubleshooting, and transfer of mature solutions to Technology Teams or manufacturing operations.

Projects may support any Corning division, customer opportunity, or R&D initiative. The role develops and leverages internal and external networks of product experts, suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, cable assembly houses, and tooling providers.

Responsibilities:

•    Collaborate with customers, global manufacturing teams, Market Development, Product Line Managers, engineers, technicians, lab managers, suppliers, and supply chain to design, build and deliver prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks 
•    Develop prototype designs, build plans, bills of materials, work instructions, process documentation, acceptance criteria, schedules, and captures prototype results, customer feedback, technical risks, and potentially patentable ideas.
•    Develop and improve processes for fiber optic components; including technical execution of fiber optic connector, cable assembly, and optical connectivity prototype builds and process-development trials.
•    Coordinate materials, tooling, fabrication, equipment, supplier activity, and prototype delivery timelines.
•    Design, specify, and improve fixtures, tooling, equipment, and workstations, and train technicians on new or revised processes, tools, equipment, and documentation, to support quality, safety, ergonomics, and process consistency.
•    Analyze prototype build, inspection, test, yield, and defect data; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions, and assess design-for-manufacturability, assembly, testability, and reliability, providing feedback to product and technology teams, supporting technology transfer or initial process implementation.
•    Maintain compliance with safety, ESD, cleanliness, quality, and controlled-document requirements.

Travel Requirements: 
•    Up to 15% on average depending on the project requirements.  Includes international travel.

Qualifications: 
•    BS in Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science

•    5+ years of experience in a development or experimental laboratory and/or manufacturing environment working with electrical/mechanical assembly and testing, with demonstrated mechanical aptitude and structured problem-solving experience developing, documenting, troubleshooting, and interpreting drawings, specifications, tolerances, bills of materials, travelers, and test or inspection data; and improving precision assembly or manufacturing processes 
•    5 years of experience engaging stakeholders, suppliers, customers, and global teams through effective communication of technical ideas, processes, guidance, or directives clearly through written documentation, presentations, and direct interaction with technical teams, suppliers, customers, and global teams.
•    Documented experience managing multiple projects, priorities, schedules, and deliverables, controlled documentation, traceability, inspection records, and nonconformance processes.
•    2+ years of product design or manufacturing processes using CAD (ProE / CREO Skills a Must)
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Project, and PowerPoint.

Desired Skills:
•    Familiar with fiber optic theory; particularly optical connectivity, fiber optic cable assemblies, connectorization, or related optical network hardware.
•    Project management experience and demonstrated application of project management tools. 
•    Experience driving continuous improvement, innovation, and technical capability growth within development or prototyping organizations.