Materials Development Engineer

Materials Development Engineer

Date: Sep 10, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 75642

**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 of Position:

Lead materials development activities related to COC (Corning Optical Communications) globally, focusing on materials for global use. Support active interaction with the COC Global Materials Group members as well with the materials groups within Corning. Apply expertise and innovation in polymer science and engineering to support new product development activities and assist with existing products. Assist with polymer compound selection and evaluation for cable applications and connector products. Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems. Also demonstrate technical leadership and innovation in the area of materials science and polymer engineering through rigorous mechanistic problem solving approaches.

Major Roles & Responsibilities:

Day-to-Day

• 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.

• Apply sophisticated scientific or engineering understanding to research or development problems, ideas or projects.

• Participate in project teams, providing polymer materials fundamental understanding and development support

• Interface with suppliers and procurement to test and evaluate new materials, analytical equipment and services. Work with suppliers to resolve problems with materials as well as maintain relationship with suppliers to stay abreast of new material availability.

• Lead and support materials-focused development work for short and long-term R&D goals

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

• Collaborate with research and manufacturing functions throughout product development cycle

• Make assignments to technicians

• Communicate and document results

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in material science, engineering or chemistry required - (0-2 years)

• Masters degree is a plus - (0-1 years)

Required Skills:

• Experience with thermoplastic polymers / polymer compounds

• Relevant experience in product development or product testing

• Ability to develop new test methods for in-depth product characterization

• Ability to apply fundamental understanding & scientific principles to solve technical problems and identify product solutions

• Ability to document work and write reports in clear English that can convey technical investigation findings

• Ability to formulate testing protocols for desired material properties, starting with basic analytic capabilities (FTIR, TGA, DSC, …)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Sharepoint)

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of engineering thermoplastics (also high temperature), silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers and epoxy compounds

• Basic knowledge in sealing, encapsulation and physical support of materials for product development

• Basic knowledge of injection molding and/or extrusion

• Structure-property knowledge of engineering thermoplastics and elastomers

• Hands on experience with polymer characterization methods such as rheology, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA, SEM and mechanical testing; understanding or experience with optical testing a plus

• Experiences with the evaluation of product lifetime

• International Work Experience

Soft Skills:

• Ability to work within a multicultural team environment

• Ability to multitask

• Ability to work independently

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Ability to mentor other engineers and train others on primary knowledge base

• Expected to bring enthusiasm, Collaboratory, and innovative spirit

• Likes to present achievements and is open for constructive discussions

Travel:

• Travel: max. 10%

Hours of work/work: 40-50 hours/week

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $81,989.00 - $112,735.00 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