Lean Engineer

Lean Engineer

Date: Jul 2, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 74643

**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.

Purpose:

Corning is seeking a Lean Manufacturing Engineer to lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives. In this role, you will implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing practices to enhance performance in quality, cost, delivery, morale, and safety. Key focus areas include Lean fundamentals such as Value Stream Mapping, Visual Performance Metrics, Workplace Organization (WPO), Kaizen, Work Standardization, and Gemba Engagement. The role also encompasses transformational competencies, including workplace design, inventory controls, capacity flexibility, flow smoothing, value-add analysis, and insignificant changeover. This position requires close collaboration with other Corning locations to ensure alignment with corporate initiatives, share best practices, and maintain consistency across systems and processes. The ideal candidate will develop and implement systems, procedures, and projects that align with plant, divisional, and corporate goals.

Responsibilities:

• Lean Program Development: Develop and implement a strategy for a self-sustaining Lean program, and track and analyze Lean metrics to measure the effectiveness of improvements.

• Training and Coaching: Establish and maintain a process for Lean training and development , and educate and coach plant employees on Lean principles, vision, concepts, and expectations.

• Lean Implementation • Lead the deployment of Lean manufacturing methodologies and tools, and conduct value stream mapping exercises to identify, document, and execute opportunities for improvement in cycle time, capacity, and cost.• Utilize Kaizen principles and facilitate leadership engagement in the Gemba to identify and implement solutions.

• Sustainable Programs: Develop and implement sustainable Lean programs, including 5S, Visual Control, and Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED; including planning and execution of workplace flow/layout improvements and equipment installations, modifications, and relocations in line with Lean principles.

• Benchmarking and Collaboration: Identify and implement benchmarking opportunities across Corning locations to promote best practices and process standardization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering disciplines: Chemical, Textile, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical, or Materials Science

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in manufacturing and/or engineering.

• 2+ years of leadership experience in functional or project-based roles.

• 1+ year of experience in knowledge and application of Six Sigma/DMAIC tools.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and ERP systems.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $86,197.00 - $118,521.00 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.

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**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.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory