Lead, Rapid Prototyping – Optical Fiber Solutions

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 125,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Pension plan

401(k) with company match

Health benefits

Paid parental leave

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in the United States is seeking a Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping to lead the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic networks. You will drive execution from concept to handoff to Technology or manufacturing teams, ensuring timely, cost-effective prototypes aligned with development goals.

You will coordinate across internal customers, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to optimize prototype planning, materials,

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or applicable technical discipline.
• 5+ years in development, prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or experimental labs.
• Experience coordinating technical projects from concept through prototype build and evaluation.
• Experience across multiple product concepts, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience providing technical direction or leadership to engineers, technicians, or project teams.
• Strong understanding of prototype development processes, including design coordination, material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, and delivery.
• Knowledge of optical connectivity solutions, including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable fundamentals.
• Ability to translate customer and development team requirements into practical, functional prototype solutions.
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methods in a fast-paced development environment.
• Proven ability to lead and influence project teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills grounded in practical and data-driven approaches.
• Ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and coordinate internal and external resources.
• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical capability.
• Ability to clearly express technical ideas and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support rapid prototyping teams in the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic network applications.
• Drive prototype execution from concept through build, evaluation, and handoff to Technology teams or manufacturing operations, meeting functional, timing, and cost objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve prototype responsiveness, build quality, cost, and execution efficiency through improved materials, fabrication methods, supplier coordination, and process standardization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customers, Market Development, Product Line Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and advanced R&D to ensure prototype objectives, feasibility, and manufacturability are aligned.
• Contribute to prototype planning, resource coordination, and execution strategy in support of product and technology development roadmaps.
• Maintain awareness of emerging fabrication methods, tooling approaches, assembly techniques, and optical connectivity technologies and support their application across new product introductions and process improvements.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts, tooling designers, fabrication suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cable assembly houses to establish build requirements and deliver prototypes effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical aptitude

Analytical thinking

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

Prototype tooling

Fabrication methods

Pilot builds

Job description

Corning Incorporated in the United States is seeking a Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping to lead the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic networks. You will drive execution from concept to handoff to Technology or manufacturing teams, ensuring timely, cost-effective prototypes aligned with development goals.

You will coordinate across internal customers, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to optimize prototype planning, materials,