Senior Process Engineer

Senior Process Engineer **Date:** Sep 17, 2026 **Location:** Hickory, NC, US, 28601 **Company:** Corning Requisition Number: 78255 **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. **Scope of Role** Corning's Optical Communications division is seeking a Materials Engineer to lead raw material cost reduction initiatives for optical cables on a global scale. In this role, you will apply materials expertise and engineering rigor to improve manufacturing processes, develop material substitution roadmaps, and deliver measurable cost and quality outcomes **Key Responsibilities** + Lead regional and global materials projects targeting raw material cost reduction, improved process consistency, and maintained or enhanced product quality + Assess material change implications on quality architecture; drive early identification of specification changes and coordinate cross-functional engagement and implementation + Partner with Technology Materials, Division Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to understand raw material specifications and develop alternate and substitution material roadmaps + Solve manufacturing process issues through data analysis, structured experimentation, and collaboration with subject matter experts + Document and communicate lessons learned and technical insights across organizational boundaries and manufacturing sites **Location, Work Hours and Travel Requirements** + Location: Hickory, NC + Hours of work/work schedule/flex-time **:** 8 hours/day; 40 hours/week + Travel: Up to 25% to various manufacturing sites in the division (Includes both domestic and international travel) **Experiences/Education - Required** + Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials, Chemical, Mechanical, or Polymer Engineering. + 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment + Demonstrated ability to apply scientific methodology and data-driven analysis to diagnose and resolve complex manufacturing problems + Proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools, including Microsoft Excel, Access, and Minitab or equivalent **Experiences/Education - Desired** + Experience synthesizing data from multiple sources to establish and communicate technical direction + Experience leading cross-functional engineering or materials projects with accountability for measurable business outcomes + Knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting + Project management experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment **This position does not support immigration sponsorship.** The range for this position is $95,402.00 - $131,179.00 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. **Nearest Major Market:** Hickory