Development Engineer

Development Engineer

Date: Sep 15, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 75174

**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 Summary:

The successful candidate will be responsible for development of new products and processes requiring some knowledge of materials and plastics processing. Specific knowledge of fiber optic cable processes, polymeric materials and/or cable design understanding is preferred but not required. Candidate is expected to work well in a team environment to develop cable products/processes to solve customer problems while creating intellectual property.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Participate and/or lead regional or global project teams, developing new products and processes to solve customer problems, increase production capacity or cost reduce products.

• Coordinate development activities with commercial and production groups from project initiation through product transfer.

• Conduct research, propose experiments and analyze data to test hypotheses to enhance understanding of products and processes and to provide Corning with inventive solutions toward new development efforts.

• Design and development of new equipment or modification and optimization of existing equipment needed for cable development designs.

• Identify and investigate new processing techniques to develop innovative cable designs.

• Balance hands-on work-related activities with technical leadership related activities.

• Data collection, interpretation, communicating and documenting results in technical reports and presentations.

• Collaborate with research and manufacturing functions throughout product development cycle.

• Maintain strong technical interaction with development personnel in US, Mexico, Germany, and Poland.

• Create new intellectual property for Corning.

• Interface with suppliers and procurement to develop state of the art equipment and processes with both existing and new polymeric materials.

• Work with suppliers to identify/develop materials needed in cable designs to solve customer application needs.

• Risk assessments of cable designs, materials, equipment, and processes being used. Referring to staff and plant safety, but this can also extend outwards to include things such as the environmental impact and customer field issues related to product failure.

Required Skills:

• Individual must be capable of executing project assignments in a team-based environment with minimal supervision.

• Strong problem solver utilizing engineering principles and structured techniques (MEE).

• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude.

• Ability to share and clearly express technical ideas.

• Solid written and verbal skills, with experience with Microsoft Office tools.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Education and Experience:

• BS in Mechanical or Materials Engineering with 1-3 years of manufacturing experience.

• Experience in fiber optics, cable development or manufacturing experience is preferred.

Desired Skills:

• Familiarity with flame retardant materials, processing, and fiber optic cable burn tests.

• Experience in computer aided design for mechanical drawings.

• Experience with project management.

• Continuous process design and development experience.

• Experience in polymer extrusion and/or UV curing processes.

• Capable of performing complex data analysis using MS excel (SPC), or statistical software such as JMP or Minitab.

• Demonstrated use of modeling or simulation software in the development of new products or processes

Soft Skills:

• Positive attitude.

• Good communication/presentation skills at multiple levels including teams/management/customers.

• Ability to communicate effectively within a global work environment.

• Good facilitation and collaboration skills to evaluate technical directions.

• A bias towards action: Personal initiative, results-driven and details-oriented.

• Good interpersonal and relationship building skills.

Travel:

• Up To 25% (national/international)

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.

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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