Lean Engineer

Corning Inc.; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 86,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Inc. is seeking a Lean Engineer at our Newton, NC manufacturing site to identify and eliminate waste using Lean principles and continuous improvement methods. You will lead cross-functional improvements, facilitate Kaizen events, and drive gains in efficiency and standardization.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering and a Six Sigma Belt, with strong data analysis, PM, and Excel skills. Typical hours are 8am–5pm, with occasional extra hours to support projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Lean Manufacturing concepts applied in a production environment.
• Knowledge of basic manufacturing systems and processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience retrieving/analyzing data from relational databases.
• Experience facilitating Lean workshops, Kaizen/SMED events, or improvement projects.
• Experience managing improvement projects from scope to implementation.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional improvements to identify waste and implement solutions.
• Analyze processes; document and share standardized best practices.
• Plan and facilitate SMED, Kaizen, 5S, and workshops; drive standardization.
• Contribute to capacity and throughput analysis via time studies.
• Manage improvement projects using company PM and problem-solving methods.
• Support production teams on process flow issues and equipment improvements.
• Administer the employee suggestion program and engagement initiatives.
• Apply value stream mapping to improve material and information flow.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen and SMED events

Cross-functional facilitation

Data analysis

Project management

Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

Time studies

Production processes understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline

Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Tools

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Relational databases

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.

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

Corning is seeking a Lean Engineer to identify and eliminate waste across our Newton, NC manufacturing facility using Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. In this role, you will lead cross-functional improvement efforts, facilitate Kaizen events, and drive measurable gains in process efficiency, capacity, and standardization.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a Lean Manufacturing subject matter expert; lead interdepartmental efforts to identify waste and implement continuous improvement solutions
• Analyze work processes; develop, document, and communicate standardized best practices across the plant
• Plan and facilitate SMED and Kaizen events, 5S initiatives, and improvement workshops; drive standardization across all production processes
• Provide input to plant capacity and process throughput analysis based on time studies and direct observation
• Manage structured improvement projects using company-endorsed project management and problem-solving methodologies
• Support production teams on process flow issues and actively participate in equipment improvement initiatives
• Administer the plant employee suggestion program; support engagement and follow-through on submitted ideas
• Uses value stream mapping to identify waste, improve material and information flow, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

Additional Information

• Location: Newton, NC
• Hours of work: 8am to 5pm, Monday–Friday with occasional additional hours to support project delivery.
• Travel: <10%

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and their practical application in a production environment
• Understanding of basic manufacturing systems and production processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong skills in Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
• Experience retrieving and analyzing data from relational databases
• Experience facilitating cross-functional Lean workshops, Kaizen and SMED events, or structured improvement projects
• Experience managing improvement projects from scope definition through implementation
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $86,197.00-$118,521.00 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] .