Manufacturing Solutions Manager

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
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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.  

The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices.

Role Purpose

The Division PEX Solutions Manager improves manufacturing performance across Advanced Optics by leveraging data, metrics, and Performance Excellence (PEX) (continuous improvement) methodologies to identify priorities, solve problems, and deliver measurable business results.

Working directly with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams, this role drives measurable improvements in quality, productivity, cost, and operational effectiveness through structured problem solving, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement. The position also helps shape and scale the future PEX operating model, standards, and organizational capability across the division.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive measurable improvements in quality, productivity, cost, and operational performance through effective use of data, metrics, and Performance Excellence methodologies.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, effectiveness verification, and DMAIC-based improvement initiatives.
• Develop KPI, dashboard, scorecard, and visual management systems that improve performance visibility, accountability, and decision making.
• Partner with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify priorities, solve operational challenges, and execute high-impact improvement initiatives.
• Coach leaders and teams on practical application of PEX tools while strengthening organizational problem-solving capability.
• Standardize best practices and help shape the future PEX operating model, standards, and organizational capability across Advanced Optics.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Quality, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field.

• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, quality, operational excellence, process improvement, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success leading data-driven improvement initiatives and structured problem-solving activities.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, corrective action systems, and performance management.
• Experience developing KPIs, dashboards, scorecards, and visual management systems.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, communication, and change leadership skills.
• Ability to influence and lead within a multi-site, matrixed manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience leading DMAIC projects and operational excellence programs.
• Experience with Quality Clinic, Daily Management, or similar performance management systems.
• Experience using Power BI, Tableau, JMP, Minitab, or similar analytics tools.
• Experience building teams, functions, operating models, or performance management systems.
• Experience in high-tech, precision, or complex manufacturing environments.

Additional Information

• Travel up to 25–50%.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $106,951.00 - $147,058.00 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 corningjobs.corning.com .