Lean Engineering Supervisor
Apply now »Date: Nov 21, 2025
Location: Newton, NC, US, 28658
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 71978
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
Plan, direct, and continually improve Lean Manufacturing initiatives at the site. Drive the implementation of Lean fundamental competencies (Value Stream Maps, Visual Performance Metrics, WPO, Kaizen, Work Standardization, Gemba Engagement) & transformational competencies (workplace design, inventory controls, capacity flexibility, flow smoothing, value add analysis, insignificant changeover) to continually improve performance in quality, cost, delivery, morale, & safety.
Communicate and work with other Corning locations to ensure alignment with initiatives, promote best practice proliferation, and ensure inter-plant consistency of systems and procedures. Develop and implement systems, procedures, and projects required to successfully accomplish plant, divisional, and corporate goals/objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop & implement a strategy for a self-sustaining Lean program. Track Lean metrics to verify effectiveness of improvements. Develop/update standards to ensure sustainability & improvement as well as linkage with divisional/corporate initiatives.
- Educate and coach plant employees on Lean philosophy, vision, concepts, & expectations. Develop/sustain a strategy & process for Lean training and development (Emphasis should be on coaching teams to accept responsibility and solve their own problems). Overcome paradigms and obstacles to establish a Lean culture. Mentor & provide leadership to site Lean resources.
- Drive the implementation of Lean manufacturing utilizing proven methodologies and tools.
- Supervise team consisting of engineers, technicians and hourly employees.
- Lead value stream mapping exercises to identify, document, & execute opportunities to improve the business (cycle time, capacity, & cost) from current to future state.
- Direct the planning and implementation of continuous improvement activities via Kaizen principles. Facilitate leadership and others “going to Gemba” to truly understand & implement improvement.
- Develop & implement sustainable 5S, Visual Control, Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), & other Lean programs.
- Facilitate the planning & implementation of workplace flow/layout, as well as equipment installations, modifications, and moves according to Lean concepts.
- Identify & horizontally deploy benchmark opportunities between Corning locations.
Experiences/Education - Required
- BS degree in Engineering (Industrial preferred) and/or equivalent experience
- Minimum 4 years of experience in Manufacturing and/or Engineering
- Leadership experience in functional or project role
- Working Six Sigma/DMAIC knowledge and demonstrated application of tools
- Knowledge of manufacturing methods, systems, and production processes
- Working knowledge of computers including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and ERP systems
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) with ability to present ideas, opinions, and data to gain understanding, consensus, and support
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $116,088.00 - $159,621.00 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