Materials Engineer

Corning Incorporated; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 67,150 - 92,331; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Health and well-being benefits

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Tolleson, Arizona, is seeking a Material Engineer to enhance manufacturing processes and material quality. This role involves leading new material qualifications, working cross-functionally to ensure production efficiency and product quality.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and over two years of experience in materials engineering. The position includes competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Over two years of experience in materials, process, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience in manufacturing with responsibility for process improvement, quality, or material performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making ability.
• Experience designing, executing, and documenting experiments or trials.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and release of new materials for production.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure material readiness.
• Lead process improvement trials to identify root causes of variation.
• Apply statistical methods to evaluate process performance.
• Investigate material-related defects and nonconformances.

Skills

Materials analysis & application

Manufacturing process support

Root cause analysis

Statistical analysis & data interpretation

Process optimization

Defect characterization

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Problem-solving & decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Statistical tools (SPC, DOE, Minitab)

Job description

Overview

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. Our Solar business delivers industry leading, U.S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, leveraging our leadership in advanced manufacturing to serve growing energy demand. You will be part of advancing critical U.S. supply chains and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to customers.

Requisition Number: 75040

Role Purpose

In this role, the Material Engineer will support material, process, and manufacturing performance within plant operations by improving process capability, enhancing product quality, and investigating material and process-related issues. The role also contributes to the implementation of new materials and manufacturing technologies while working cross-functionally with operations, quality, engineering, and product development teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure products consistently meet customer and internal performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and release of new materials, taking technical ownership while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure quality and seamless production integration.
• Collaborate with vendors to clearly communicate material requirements and ensure readiness to meet quality and delivery expectations.
• Lead and support process improvement trials and manufacturing studies to identify root causes of variation, defects, and process upsets.
• Apply statistical and data analysis methods to evaluate process performance, reduce yield loss, and improve efficiency.
• Investigate material-related defects, nonconformances, and failure mechanisms; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate material properties and process capability to ensure alignment with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Support finished product quality through inspection methods, testing, data analysis, and process control improvements.
• Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to implement sustainable process and performance improvements.
• Provide technical support for plant operations related to material selection, process conditions, and performance issues.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project updates to stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Over two years of experience in materials, process, or manufacturing engineering in an industrial environment.
• Experience in manufacturing with responsibility for process improvement, quality, or material performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making ability.
• Experience with root cause analysis, defect investigation, and corrective action implementation.
• Working knowledge of material properties and their impact on manufacturing processes and product performance.
• Experience designing, executing, and documenting experiments, trials, or validation activities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Experience in panel manufacturing, composites, glass, ceramics, metals, or engineered materials.
• Familiarity with statistical tools and methods (SPC, DOE, Minitab, or similar).
• Experience with process control, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of failure analysis and material characterization techniques.
• Project management experience supporting manufacturing or process improvements.

Key Skills

• Materials analysis & application
• Manufacturing process support
• Root cause analysis
• Statistical analysis & data interpretation
• Process optimization
• Defect characterization
• Technical documentation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Continuous improvement
• Problem-solving & decision-making

Compensation & Benefits

The range for this position is $67,150.00 – $92,331.00 assuming full-time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. Corning offers company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives; 401(k) with company matching contributions 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).

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].