Development Engineer
Apply now »Date: Nov 2, 2026
Location: Wilmington, NC, US, 28405
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 79380
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
The Development Engineer supports the design, development, and industrialization of optical fiber manufacturing processes and equipment. This role focuses on improving manufacturing capability, product quality, process efficiency, and cost through engineering solutions, experimentation, and root-cause analysis. Works closely with technology development teams to develop and implement new manufacturing processes and products.
Key Responsibilities
- Learn and understand Draw processes, including forming, coating application, and coating/recoat materials.
- Design, develop, and improve manufacturing and characterization processes and equipment.
- Conduct experiments and root-cause analysis to identify process limitations and improvement opportunities.
- Support innovation testing on development assets and manufacturing equipment.
- Translate experimental findings into engineering requirements and process/equipment designs.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing yield, productivity, quality, equipment utilization, and cost.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement new products and processes.
Experience/Education – Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Ceramics Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of engineering experience.
- Process engineering background with knowledge of mechanical interactions and design.
- Understanding of physics, heat and mass transfer, and their application to manufacturing processes.
- Experience using scientific methods and engineering principles to solve complex problems.
- Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Experience/Education – Preferred
- Experience translating engineering solutions into process and equipment designs.
- Knowledge of data analysis and processing tools such as JMP, Python, and Power BI.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as Aspen, MATLAB, Fluent, or AutoCAD.
- Ability to evaluate data, recommend solutions, and communicate findings to project and department leaders.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $85,304.00 - $117,293.00 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: Wilmington