Sr Capital Project Leader

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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 Overview

The Project Lead supports the deployment, commissioning, and startup of manufacturing equipment within Corning Optical Communications’ global Optical Fiber and Cable (OFC) facilities. This role provides leadership for capital projects that expand manufacturing capacity and capability, ensuring alignment with OFC technology needs and business objectives.

• Wilmington, NC or Concord, NC

Key Responsibilities

• Lead individual projects or subprojects within broader technology programs with capital scopes ranging from $1M–$15M, managing schedules, budgets, deliverables, and scope changes.
• Manage end-to-end project phases including funding, design, procurement, logistics, installation, commissioning, and handover.  Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Apply Corning’s Capital Management System to scope, fund, and deliver projects.
• Ensure safe execution across all activities and promptly address safety gaps, leading multidisciplinary, matrixed teams of 3–10 members.
• Communicate status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders, steering teams, and governance bodies.

Education and Experience

• BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Chemical Engineering, or similar technical degree. 
• At least 5 years' experience in leadership/management roles for capital manufacturing equipment projects or similar manufacturing or engineering leadership experience.

Required Skills

• Strong technical background in equipment design, selection, and troubleshooting.
• Analytical ability to evaluate equipment, construction, and manufacturing cost tradeoffs.
• Financial acumen for budgeting and business-case development.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across Operations, Engineering, IT, Finance, and Quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-changing environments.

Desired Skills

• Experience in optical fiber manufacturing, engineering, or operations.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD®, Inventor, MS Project, MS Office, and Teams.
• Proven project management capability in scope, budget, and schedule development.

Travel Requirements:

• 50% - Typical travel can range from a few days to a few weeks during the project initiation phase. During the deployment phase of the project, travel may be full-time.
• Travel will be required to Corning Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacturing sites in North Carolina and potentially international.

Hours of work/work schedule/flex-time:

• 40hrs+ M-F, adjusted hours and weekends may be required based on where the project is in the project life cycle.
• The position is overtime exempt.  Overtime is not uncommon and is indeed expected at times, however the amount and duration will vary as a function of the job position, particular project, and point in the project life cycle.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $97,542.00 - $134,121.00 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 View email address on corningjobs.corning.com .