Commercial Technology Manager

Corning Inc.; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning is seeking a Commercial Technology Manager for the Data Center Business Unit focused on non-hyper scale data center customers, Global Accounts and Multi-Tenant Data Centers. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years in Data Center Cabling infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on customer relationships and cross-functional teamwork.

You will partner with sales, PLM and engineering to identify pain points, define prototypes, and drive field trials, translating customer needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, or related field with 2–3 years in DC cabling.
• Strong relationship-building skills with customers and stakeholders.
• Analytical problem solving and ability to work through ambiguity.
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, marketing, sales, and other teams.

Responsibilities

• Detail customer network switch architecture and cabling solutions.
• Identify customer pain points through routine account engagements.
• Drive adoption of new solutions with field trials and customer validation.
• Collaborate across AIR, PLM, COC Technology, S&T for solution ideation.
• Develop opportunities through VOC methods and future customer needs.

Skills

Customer relationship building

Analytical problem solving

Ownership / leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering / CS / business

Job description

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 the Position:

The Commercial Technology Manager role will be part of the Data Center Business Unit (DCBU). This position’s focus is non-hyper scale data center customers, Global Accounts and Multi-Tenant Data Center. The primary function is driving new innovations within the target accounts which provide value to the end user through our value vectors of speed of deployment, labor savings, safety/risk reductions, and sustainability. Working closely with the commercial account teams, this role is the primary liaison between customer engagements and Corning’s technology organization. The customer engagement activities would involve an in-depth understanding of network switch architecture along with cabling solutions deployed to support the architecture. Routine engaged within the account is required to identify both current pain points with existing designs, along with inflection points in the architecture created from new applications or network speeds. Those discussions will lead into the need for new products to support the account. Working closely with the Product Line Management (PLM) organization, Commercial Technology will spearhead activities required to support the account such as defining prototype request, issuing an IPP request (Market and Product requirements Documents along with NPV), and supporting validation field trials.

Major Roles and Responsibilities:

• Detailing customer specific network switch architecture and cabling solution leveraged to support those architectures.
• Identify and analyze customer problems and pain points through routine engagements within assigned accounts.
• Identify potential inflection points in network design which allow for innovation.
• Working closely with sales and customers to drive adoption of new solutions to include supporting critical field-trials and customer qualification processes
• Ensure multifunctional cross-division collaboration in the discovery/ideation and solution selection process (AIR, PLM, COC Technology, S&T etc.)
• Work with AIR team to engage DCBU customers with innovation ideas which could be outside the immediate planning horizon of the end user.
• Develop an understanding for the size of new opportunities for COC in the DC market. This will involve developing a deep understanding for current and future customer needs by practicing rigorous Voice of Customer (VOC) methods.
• Work closely with PLM to initiate Technology Development Projects, by helping to perform the Project Profile Workshop (PPW).
• Transition new product/solution innovations to the Marketing, with PLM to prepare for commercialization of the product/solution. This would involve presenting the product strategy, features, benefits, and value of the solution to the customer.
• Participate in initial commercialization meetings where product marketing strategy and “roll out” type is determined.
• Understand and track the current and future customer and competitive landscape as well as the threats of new technology substitution, to position COC for long term growth.

Education and Experience: Required

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, business, or a related discipline with at least 2-3 years working in the Data Center Cabling infrastructure industry.
• Customer-Focused Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build credibility and trust with customers through active listening, meaningful dialogue, and strong subject matter expertise. Skilled at uncovering customer needs, identifying challenges, and translating insights into effective solutions.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Proven ability to navigate complex technical or business challenges by breaking them into manageable components, identifying key drivers, and communicating concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Comfortable working through ambiguity and complexity to deliver practical solutions.
• Proactive Leadership & Ownership: Track record of taking initiative to drive projects, engagements, or business challenges from initial problem definition through execution and resolution. Consistently identifies opportunities, establishes clear next steps, and ensures follow-through to achieve desired outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Demonstrated success collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, marketing, sales, and other stakeholders to align priorities, solve problems, and deliver innovative solutions that achieve business objectives.

Education and Experience: Desired

• Familiarity with the Data Center Market and the dynamics associated with a complex business model.
• Technical aptitude to understand Technology Vendors terminology, architectures, and how their products interface with COC products.
• Knowledge of basic fiber optic theory, products, and installation methods.

Travel:

• Up to 25%

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is$99,375.00-$136,641.00 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 ofrace, 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 [e-mail] .