Engineering Production Manager - Cables

Corning Inc.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 147,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

Pension plan

Health benefits

Paid time off

Recognition program

Job summary

Corning Inc. in Hickory, NC, seeks a senior leader to head the Flame Retardant Engineering Department. The role focuses on safety, cost, capability, and process improvement through rigorous engineering disciplines and Six Sigma DMAIC.

You will drive capital projects, mentor the team, and align with cross‑functional partners to achieve ROI. The candidate should have a Bachelor's in engineering with extensive manufacturing leadership experience, strong communication, and a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with 8+ years manufacturing engineering experience.
• 3+ years of direct supervision experience, preferably in an engineering or manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, effectively conveying ideas and fostering collaboration across teams.
• Exhibit strong leadership abilities, inspiring and influencing others to achieve shared goals while promoting a culture of accountability.
• Proven ability to deliver impactful results through effective project and organizational leadership, driving success across initiatives.
• Leverage exceptional organizational skills to manage priorities, streamline workflows, and drive efficient project execution.
• Thrive in high-pressure environments with a positive attitude, responding constructively to feedback and maintaining focus on results.
• Bring a forward-thinking mindset, coupled with a high level of motivation, customer focus, and commitment to excellence.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving performance excellence while fostering people development and growth.
• Act with integrity and authenticity, building trust and fostering strong relationships across the organization.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans, including cost analysis, to ensure successful delivery of objectives.
• Utilize fundamental problem-solving to break down complex processes into actionable steps and address root causes.
• Ability to provide technical coaching to team during problem solving, including application of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology
• Capital management experience including portfolio management, appropriations requests, and project finance oversight.
• Financial analysis and manufacturing cost management experience

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, clear direction, and mentorship to the Engineering team.
• Champion application of core engineering principles for operational excellence.
• Lead development and management of capital forecasts for projects.
• Oversee the FR engineering team and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Collaborate with cable technology, division engineering and product line teams.
• Drive continuous improvement with cost-reduction initiatives.
• Own critical business projects with hands-on leadership.
• Mentor individuals across the organization to foster growth.
• Develop engineering depth through coaching and succession planning.
• Prioritize engineering initiatives and manage portfolios.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Six Sigma DMAIC

Manufacturing engineering

Cost reduction

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

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.

Role Purpose

Responsible for leading and managing the Flame Retardant Engineering Deparment at the Hickory Cable Plant. The objective is to deliver continuous improvement for safety, cost, capability, and systems through the application of innovative technologies and rigorous engineering principles. Initiate and drive improvement projects for existing and new processes to achieve desired manufacturing performance relative to safety, quality and cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, clear direction, and thoughtful mentorship to the Engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion the application of core engineering principles and best practices to ensure operational excellence and technical rigor.
• Lead the development and management of capital forecasts for projects, including capacity expansion, technological upgrades, and obsolescence mitigation, while simultaneously driving cost-reduction initiatives to maximize efficiency and return on investment.
• Oversee the FR engineering team, ensuring the successful and timely execution of projects, deliverables, and performance metrics aligned with business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cable technology, division engineering and product line management teams to align on shared goals and ensure seamless coordination of timelines and deliverables.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by spearheading cost-reduction initiatives and promoting the adoption of best practices across the organization.
• Take ownership of critical business projects, providing hands-on leadership and oversight to ensure successful outcomes that meet organizational priorities.
• Offer mentorship and guidance to individuals both within and beyond the team, fostering professional growth, knowledge sharing, and a strong sense of collaboration across the organization.
• Develop the capability, depth, and effectiveness of the plant engineering organization through coaching, talent development, and succession planning.
• Portfolio management and prioritization of engineering and improvement initiatives

Work Hours and Schedule

• Nominal working hours are M - F, 8 AM - 5 PM.
• Informal 24/7 coverage for ad-hoc call-in support

Travel: ~10%

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with 8+ years manufacturing engineering experience
• 3+ years of direct supervision experience, preferably in an engineering or manufacturing setting
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, effectively conveying ideas and fostering collaboration across teams.
• Exhibit strong leadership abilities, inspiring and influencing others to achieve shared goals while promoting a culture of accountability.
• Proven ability to deliver impactful results through effective project and organizational leadership, driving success across initiatives.
• Leverage exceptional organizational skills to manage priorities, streamline workflows, and drive efficient project execution.
• Thrive in high-pressure environments with a positive attitude, responding constructively to feedback and maintaining focus on results.
• Bring a forward-thinking mindset, coupled with a high level of motivation, customer focus, and commitment to excellence.
• Demonstrated track record of achieving performance excellence while fostering people development and growth.
• Act with integrity and authenticity, building trust and fostering strong relationships across the organization.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans, including cost analysis, to ensure successful delivery of objectives.
• Utilize fundamental problem-solving to break down complex processes into actionable steps and address root causes.
• Ability to provide technical coaching to team during problem solving, including application of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology
• Capital management experience including portfolio management, appropriations requests, and project finance oversight.
• Financial analysis and manufacturing cost management experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is$147,107.00-$202,273.00 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].