Firing Process Engineer

Corning Inc.; Christiansburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Paid time off

Recognition program

Job summary

Corning Inc. is seeking a manufacturing process engineer focused on kiln thermal processes for ceramics.

You will lead projects, design experiments, analyze DOE data, and collaborate with engineering and operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs across CELCOR products. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 2+ years’ hands-on experience, with strong communication skills and a proactive, self-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with preference for Ceramic, Chemical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
• 2+ years of hands-on engineering or manufacturing experience.
• Proven project leadership on technical projects with root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop project plans, timelines, and cost estimates for process improvements.
• Design and execute experiments to advance understanding of kiln processes.
• Develop DOE plans and perform data analysis for firing cycles and equipment impact.
• Collaborate with Division Engineering to optimize raw materials, forming, and firing methods.
• Develop and implement firing cycles to reduce cost and improve plant performance.
• Work with engineering and operations to fix process issues and drive improvements.
• Partner with operators and teams to implement Lean, 5S, and safety improvements.

Skills

Project leadership

Collaboration

Self-motivation

Technical curiosity

Multi-tasking & planning

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Ceramic/Chemical/Materials/Mechanical/Physics)

Tools

Excel

Access

Minitab

JMP

Job description

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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.

Corning’s Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile and stationary applications around the world.

Scope of Position:

In this role you will deliver manufacturing process improvements in various areas of the plant, with a focus on kiln thermal processes for Ceramics. You will also support daily operations as need arise in troubleshooting and problem-solving manufacturing process issues, driving continuous improvement and cost reduction. Apply technical knowledge and practices to effectively accomplish technical assignments and projects. Support and lead projects to fulfill department goals and objectives in direct support of manufacturing and operations of CELCOR products.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Develop project plans, timelines, cost estimates for process improvements to meet the overall manufacturing and operations objectives

• Design and execute experiments, testing hypothesis that advance fundamental understand in support of process improvement

• Develop testing plans (DOE) and perform data analysis to obtain fundamental understanding for kiln firing cycles and equipment related to its impact on process and product performance.

• Work with Division Engineering resources to optimize test methods for improved fundamental understanding of raw materials, forming, and firing, and process impacts on batch rheology, formability, drying, firing, and physical properties

• Develop and implement firing cycles for reduced cost, improved plant performance metrics, and improved process robustness.

• Work directly with engineering and operations in fixing and resolving process issues

• Work with operators, team leaders, and peers to develop and implement process, equipment, Lean, 5S, or safety improvements into manufacturing

Hours:

Hours of work/work schedule/flextime: Minimum 40 hr/week, typical 8 am-5 pm with additional time required as needed for experiments or other business needs.

Required Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering with preference for Ceramic, Chemical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering or Physics

2+ or more years of hands-on experience in engineering or manufacturing

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated effective project leadership on technical projects, working towards root cause and fundamental understanding

• Sound ability to collaborate and achieve objectives through matrix organization / teams.

• Self-motivated and self-starter: results oriented and can work independently with high commitment / energy

• Strong technical curiosity and desire to learn

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize engineering decisions with good planning with demonstrated organizational & planning skills

• Strong written and verbal communications skills

Desired Skills:

• Demonstrated results delivering technical improvements in Manufacturing

• Working knowledge of creating and analyzing DOE experiments

• Experience with ceramic manufacturing

• Knowledge of Thermal Dynamics, Firing Process

• Advanced computer skills in Excel, Access, and Statistical Analysis Tools (Minitab or JMP)

Soft Skills:

We value a positive teammate who is open and engaging to effectively collaborate in teams in a multi-cultural environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills?

• Self-starter with the technical curiosity to learn and bring new ideas

• Flexibility and dedication to succeed support a positive can-do attitude

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is$84,932.00-$116,782.00 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.

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, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• 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.

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] .

Nearest Major Market: Blacksburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia