Manufacturing Associate - Hickory

NCBiotech; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Pension plan

Health benefits

Job summary

Corning's Optical Communications team is seeking a Manufacturing Associate – Cables to support cable production by operating equipment, checking product quality, and handling materials in a fast-paced environment where safety and accuracy matter daily.

You'll work a rotating 12-hour schedule, including days and nights, with overtime as needed. The role offers opportunities to develop hands-on manufacturing skills and contribute to high‑quality connectivity products that serve the world.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Willing to work a rotating 12-hour schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Must meet pre-employment and work authorization requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor cable manufacturing equipment.
• Perform product quality checks and report issues when identified.
• Follow standard work, safety procedures, and production instructions.
• Support line start-up, changeovers, and routine production tasks.
• Load, unload, move, and stage materials for production.
• Complete production records and use computer systems as needed.
• Keep the work area clean, safe, and organized.

Skills

Reliability

Safety-first mindset

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Follow written instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition Number: 77454

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.

About the Role

As a Manufacturing Associate – Cables, you will support cable production by operating equipment, checking product quality, handling materials, and helping keep production running safely and efficiently. This is a hands‑on role in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment where reliability, attention to detail, and a safety‑first mindset matter every day.

Why Join Corning

• Be part of a company known for innovation, quality, and operational excellence
• Work in a team-focused environment where safety comes first
• Build valuable manufacturing skills in a hands‑on production role
• Join an organization that values dependability, teamwork, and continuous learning
• Help produce products that support connectivity and technology around the world

What You’ll Do

• Operate and monitor cable manufacturing equipment
• Perform product quality checks and report issues when identified
• Follow standard work, safety procedures, and production instructions
• Support line start‑up, changeovers, and routine production tasks
• Load, unload, move, and stage materials for production
• Complete production records and use computer systems as needed
• Keep the work area clean, safe, and organized

What We’re Looking For

• Reliable attendance and strong work habits
• A safety‑first mindset
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to follow written instructions and standard procedures
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and work as part of a team

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 18 years of age
• Must be willing and able to work a rotating 12‑hour schedule, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
• Ability to meet pre‑employment and work authorization requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 or more years of manufacturing or related experience
• Background in manufacturing, assembly, packaging, warehouse, machine operation, or material handling
• Familiarity meeting production goals, quality standards, quotas, line speeds, or other output expectations
• Experience with inspections, documentation, inventory movement, or quality checks
• Exposure to safety procedures, PPE, and quality‑focused work environments

• Experience with product inspections, quality checks, documentation verification, inventory transactions, or material handling

• Forklift experience or willingness to obtain certification, if required

Work Environment

• Most roles are performed in a conditioned manufacturing environment, with the exception of warehouse area
• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, or dirt in some areas
• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and moving materials during the shift
• Required PPE must be worn in designated areas
• Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation

Schedule

This role follows a rotating 12‑hour day/night schedule supporting a 24/7 operation, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $23.75 hourly rate - $28.88 hourly rate. 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].