Operations Engineer

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Date: Sep 16, 2025

Location: Wilmington, NC, US, 28405

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 70913

 

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.

 

Position Overview


Responsible for defining, leading, and/or supporting continuous improvements of existing manufacturing processes via personnel efficiency, equipment uptime, process capability, or scrap reduction.

Supports industrialization of equipment, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of recently developed equipment, products, and processes.

Receives assignments in the form of objectives with goals, but defines the process by which to meet goal outlined. Provides direction to technical and process teams according to established policies and management guidance. Work is reviewed by management to measure meeting of objectives.

Frequently interacts with supervisors, technical resources, outside customers, and functional peer groups at individual contributor and management levels. Interaction normally requires the ability to gain cooperation from others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects/schedules, communicating status, and an action plan for improvement, etc.

Collaborates with other technical employees for manufacturing methodologies and prioritization. Frequently iterates departmental project plans on a scale of weekly to monthly. Analyzes project goals and designs/modifies current processes, procedures, and documentation.

Provides direction and developmental feedback on the performance of individuals or a team who support the safety, quality, output, and cost objectives of the department.  

Job Duties and Essential Functions

• Define, lead, and/or support continuous improvement to identify cost saving opportunities of existing manufacturing processes via personnel efficiency, equipment uptime, process capability, or scrap reduction. Gain operator facing technical understanding of equipment to aid in operational improvements for equipment interactions.  
• Identify non-value tasks to improve operational efficiency, eliminate bottlenecks, and maximize output.
• Design or improve and implement physical tools to improve operational efficiency.
• Champion PCPD within operations.  Ensure systems within GM operations enable PCPD and achieve accountability of PCPD within the organization.
• Engage with Lean Team as the GM Ops representative in LEAN activities (SMEDs, etc.)
• Development of tools and data systems to improve efficiency within GM department.  
• Aid in completion of safety concerns and “I Have an Idea” projects within the department.
• Engage with Fibermaking team to identify opportunities to improve efficiency between departments.  Co-lead efforts to achieve sustainable efficiency gains.
• Support industrialization of Glassmaking technology initiatives.
• Ensure effective utilization of Glassmaking asset utilization through management of experimentation, downtime, wareflow, and operator effectiveness.
• Own resolution of wareflow issues when problems arise.
• Become acting shift supervisor when needed within department.

Job/Skills Requirements


• Technical engineering bachelor's degree: industrial/mechanical/chemical engineering preferred
• Technical knowledge/ability, Lean experience, operations/manufacturing experience
• Relevant work experience: 3+ years
• Able to develop, maintain, and execute roadmap of improvement projects
• Capacity to learn complex manufacturing process flow, general technical curiosity
• Strong decision making and prioritization skills rooted in data
• Inquisitive problem-solving and data analysis skills
• High individual initiative, self-management, and emotional intelligence
• Effective communicator across all levels
• Ability to work across departments professionally, advocating for total system solutions
• People management abilities. Ability to effectively lead teams of technical resources.
• Capable of prioritizing and shifting priorities as required. Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Identifies and resolves potential future problems before they impact production
• Strong team player, capable of effectively engaging with employees at all levels - partnering with resources across multiple groups (operator to plant manager) - drive strong linkages between Engineering, Maintenance, IT, AMT, and PPD to support equipment utilization and new equipment/process deployment

Physical and Cognitive Demands

  • Must be able to see, hear, speak, and move about a manufacturing environment.
  • Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Must be able to apply grip strength and use mechanical tools.
  • Must be able to perceive heat and cold.
  • Must maintain a significant level of cognitive function to solve complex problems.


Working Conditions

• 8-10 hours/day; 40-50 hours/week
• Rotating on-call schedule
• Supports 24/7 production operation
• Office environment

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  


The range for this position is $80,243.00 - $110,335.00 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. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

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, and career from day one

  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows throughout your career.  We also offer a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions.  
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, and disease management programs. 
  • 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.     
  • 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 peer-to-peer recognition program to celebrate success by recognizing colleagues who demonstrate above-and-beyond behaviors.  

 

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: Wilmington

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