Materials Development Technician

Corning Inc.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses and incentives

Pension and 401(k) contributions

Comprehensive health and well-being

Recognition program

Job summary

Corning Inc. in Hickory, NC is seeking a Materials Development Technician for our cable testing lab. You will execute tests per GR guidelines, calibrate equipment, and help ensure product quality in a precision-driven environment.

The role requires an AAS in a technical field or 2+ years of related experience, plus ability to document results clearly. Starting pay aligns with location and experience, with competitive Corning benefits.

Qualifications

• AAS degree in a technical field or 2+ years of related experience
• Ability to follow written test procedures and document results accurately
• Experience in an optical fiber cable testing lab preferred

Responsibilities

• Execute cable testing per industry standards and customer requirements
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate lab equipment and ensure accuracy
• Manage lab work requests and communicate timelines to customers
• Handle materials per environmental and hazardous waste protocols
• Train new technicians on equipment use

Skills

Lab testing procedures

Lab reporting / documentation

Equipment calibration

Optical fiber testing experience

Laboratory software proficiency

GR-20 / GR-409 familiarity

Precision equipment operation

Education

AAS degree (technical field)

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.

Requisition Number: 78830

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's Global Materials Group is seeking a Materials Development Technician to join our cable testing laboratory in Hickory, NC. In this role, you will execute cable testing in accordance with industry and customer‑specific optical fiber cable standards, playing a direct role in ensuring product quality and reliability. You'll work in a collaborative, precision‑driven lab environment where technical proficiency and clear communication make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute cable testing in accordance with industry standards (GR-20, GR-409) and customer‑specific test requirements
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment; maintain awareness of equipment accuracy and test limits
• Manage work requests through a lab tracking system — communicate timelines and results clearly to customers and the Lab Supervisor/Manager
• Handle materials in compliance with environmental, hazardous materials, and hazardous waste protocols
• Train new technicians on the proper use and maintenance of assigned lab equipment

Experiences/Education - Required

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in a technical field, or 2+ years of experience in a related role
• Ability to follow written test procedures and document results accurately in lab reporting systems

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience in an optical fiber cable testing or telecommunications laboratory environment
• Proficiency with computers and laboratory software relevant to test equipment operation
• Familiarity with industry standards such as GR-20 or GR-409
• Prior experience operating and calibrating precision laboratory equipment

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $58,411.00 - $80,316.00 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].