Project Leader

Project Leader

Date: Oct 7, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 78402

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

Corning is looking for a Project Leader to lead cross-functional engineering and operations teams through New Product Introduction (NPI) and related product development initiatives. In this role, you will own project execution from business case development through manufacturing implementation - driving scope, timeline, budget, and stakeholder alignment to deliver measurable outcomes. This role involves up to 25% travel, including potential international travel.

Key Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end NPI project execution, including financial planning, resource planning, and budget management across all project stages. Develop and validate business cases - including P&L implications and value proposition analysis - aligned to division strategy, market needs, and competitive landscape. Monitor project scope, timeline, and risk; communicate changes and recommendations to business leadership and key stakeholders. Engage customers throughout each project stage to align on scope, interpret product requirements, and confirm the value proposition. Drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, and product development; ensure compliance with safety, quality, and intellectual property requirements.

Experiences/Education - Required

B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences. 3+ years of experience leading projects implemented in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) or new product and process development processes. Experience leading or supporting cross-functional teams (engineering, technical, operations) in project planning, execution, and risk management. Experience developing project plans, managing budgets and timelines, and communicating project status across multiple organizational levels. Experience applying structured project management methodologies.

Experiences/Education - Desired

Advanced degree (MBA or Master's). Experience in optics or photonics. Experience leading automation or equipment-focused projects. Experience with cost reduction initiatives and cost modeling. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project).

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.

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 click.appcast.io.