Systems Design Engineer

Systems Design Engineer

Date: Oct 20, 2026

Location: Charlotte, NC, US, 28216

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 79042

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

Work directly with Sales, Marketing, Customer Care, and other commercial functions to support external customers with the design of passive optical networks and the generation of associated bills of material (BOMs) for Fiber-to-the-Home networks. In addition to FTTH networks, the Design Engineer may create solutions for Multi-Dwelling-Units (MDUs), Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB), and other Access Networks.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize knowledge of products and product suites to develop optimized passive optical network solutions for customers.
• Provide design support leveraging commercial sensitivity to achieve technically sound customer deliverables while enhancing business relationships.
• Accompany Sales and other commercial representatives on customer visits to present solutions, provide training, and assist with various technical issues.
• Utilize sound problem solving abilities to achieve desired objectives. Multiple design iterations may be necessary to develop optimal solutions to satisfy customer requirements as well as desires.
• Formulate technical solutions using products which are core to the business as well as those which are newly released or even modified to meet custom specifications.
• Balance the goal of creating an optimized solution against an understanding of the customer's needs to best meet corporate objectives, both financial and strategic.
• Maintain appropriate communication with internal commercial personnel throughout the design process in order to properly manage commercial impact.
• Work productively in a team of design engineer peers who share similar responsibilities. Some responsibilities are shared between all members of the Design Engineering group while several specific roles may be assigned to individuals to maximize efficiencies and capitalize on key strengths. Special projects often requiring additional travel or even being embedded with external customers may be assigned to individuals based on demand, workload, priority, and experience.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• 4-year degree in an Engineering discipline. Mechanical or Electrical preferred.
• Proficiency with current desktop computer software including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Outlook.
• Ability to meet stringent deadlines, operate in a fast-paced multi-task environment, and effectively manage competing time requirements.
• Fundamental analytical problem-solving ability.
• Self-motivation and the ability to succeed under minimal supervision, often with vague and nebulous information and direction from the customer.
• Ability to quickly assimilate technical and commercial information from multiple sources and consolidate this into a focused technical position.
• 100% proficiency in English, written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate ideas and solutions to all organizational levels (Technician, Engineer, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, and Leadership).
• Up to 25% travel, including some international travel, could be a part of this job. Travel is related to Sales support and training of external customers as well as potential project work. Weekend travel could be required.
• Person must be willing to remain in this position for a minimum of two years.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• 2 years or more of experience in the Telecommunications industry.
• Experience with computer aided drafting (CAD/ GIS).
• Product development or manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of basic optical fiber theory.
• Knowledge of Passive Optical Network products (FTTx, LAN, Data Center) and how they are utilized to create network design solutions.
• Field experience with fiber optic products (FTTx, LAN, Data Center) and processes such as cable handling, fiber splicing, connectorization, and testing.
• Experience working in a commercial organization (Sales, Marketing, etc.).
• Proficient presentation skills using visual aids as required.
• Comfortable working with all organizational levels.
• Confident interacting with internal and external customers.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $84,658.00 - $116,406.00 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.