Commercial Technology NPI Specialist

Corning Incorporated; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 102,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

100% company-paid pension

Health benefits

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Charlotte, NC is seeking a Commercial Technology Specialist to drive innovations in the Data Center Business Unit, partnering with sales and engineering to translate customer pain points into practical cabling solutions.

You will work with PLM and Solutions Innovation to define prototypes, manage field trials, and support commercialization of new products while closely aligning with customer needs and market dynamics. Up to 25% travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams (engineering, marketing, and sales).
• At least 2+ years of experience in Data Center Cabling infrastructure, hyperscale data centers.
• Knowledge of fiber optic theory, products, and installation methods.

Responsibilities

• Frequent engagement of customers from assigned accounts to identify potential inflection points in network design which allow for innovation.
• Drive adoption of new solutions through field trials and customer qualification processes.
• Ensure cross‑division collaboration with Solutions Innovation, PLM, COC Technology, S&T.
• Engage DCBU customers with innovation ideas beyond immediate planning horizon.
• Develop understanding for size of new opportunities for COC within the DCBU account using VOC methods.
• Transition new product/solution innovations to COC Marketing with PLM support for commercialization.
• Participate in initial commercialization meetings for product marketing strategy and roll-out to track current and future customer and competitive landscape.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Data Center cabling experience

Fiber optic knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, 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.

Requisition Number: 77634

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

The Commercial Technology Specialist role will be part of the Data Center Business Unit (DCBU). The primary function is driving new innovations within the target DCBU 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, MktDev 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.

Responsibilities

• Frequent engagement of customers from assigned accounts to identify potential inflection points in network design which allow for innovation, and analyze customer problems and pain points to detail customer specific ISP and OSP network requirements and leverage Corning cabling solutions to support those architectures.
• Work 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 (Solutions Innovation, PLM, COC Technology, S&T etc.)
• Work with Solutions Innovation 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 within the DCBU account. This will involve developing a deep understanding for current and future customer needs by practicing rigorous Voice of Customer (VOC) methods.
• Transition new product/solution innovations to COC Marketing, with PLM support, to prepare for commercialization of the product/solution.
• Participate in initial commercialization meetings for product marketing strategy and “roll out” type determination, to maintain understanding and track current and future customer and competitive landscape as well as the threats of new technology substitution, to position COC for long term growth.

Travel

• Up to 25%

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related discipline
• 3+ years of experience demonstrating collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and sales, to drive innovation projects to success.
• At least 2+ years of relevant experience working in the Data Center Cabling infrastructure industry reflecting familiarity with the Hyperscale Data Center Market and the dynamics associated with a complex business model.
• Knowledge of basic fiber optic theory, products, and installation methods, reflecting technical aptitude to understand Technology Vendors terminology, architectures, and how their products interface with COC products.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $101,623.00 - $139,732.00 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 [e-mail].