Lean Technician

Lean Technician

Date: Jul 7, 2026

Location: Newton, NC, US, 28658

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 76483

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.

Scope of Position: Responsible for driving both foundational and transformational competencies within the Lean Organization and across the manufacturing plant. These competencies include but are not limited to Value Steam Mapping, Visual Management, Work Standardization, Gemba Engagement, Kanban, SMED, 5S, Pull Systems, etc. With these core competencies, this role will partner with Operations to improve plant performance in Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Morale, and Innovation. The intent of this role is to decrease overall manufacturing cost, increase operational efficiencies, and drive waste from the production processes in conjunction with the strategy of the Lean Organization.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Directly responsible for performing work in a safe manner and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Continuously developing lean skills individually, as a part of the Lean Organization, and within the plant as a whole.
• Planning and facilitating 3-4 Kaizen events per year. This could include workshops focused on Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, SMED, 5S etc. with oversight and help from the Lean Organization.
• Tracking cost savings per each Kaizen event and working with the appropriate resources to quantify and ultimately realize lean cost savings.
• Supporting the site's 5S program in conjunction with participation in routine Gemba performance audits with leadership.
• Planning and implementing workplace flow/layout improvements in addition to analyzing new equipment installations, existing equipment movements, and equipment modifications in accordance with lean teachings and methodologies.
• Being an active member of the ergonomics team in order to assist in assessments and provide lean feedback relative to workstation changes.
• Identifying and deploying opportunities at the plant level and across the sister sites in partnership with the Lean Manufacturing Supervisor.

Work Hours & Expectations: Typical work schedule is 40 hours Monday through Friday. Work may require limited overtime and WILL require support on each shift. Weekly schedules & shift coverage will be jointly agreed upon by the employee and the Lean/Kaizen leader. Lean training will be provided (mixture of online coursework, presentations, books, & OJT). Information sharing with Catawba Campus is expected (occasional travel).

Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. (BS Degree is Preferred). 2 to 5 Years of Lean and/or Operational Experience. Ability to support the Lean Organization's vision and strategy, in order to promote culture change while acting as an agent of change for lean thinking and methodologies. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) with ability to present ideas, opinions, and data to gain understanding consensus, and support. Knowledge of manufacturing methods, systems, and production processes. Process/results oriented with organizational and attention-to-detail abilities.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $31.50 hourly rate - $35.75 hourly rate. 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.