NPI Project Leader, Optics & Manufacturing

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 98,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

Pension benefits

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Recognition program

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Project Leader to guide cross-functional engineering and operations teams through New Product Introduction (NPI) and related product development efforts. You will own project execution from business case development through manufacturing implementation, driving scope, timeline, budget, and stakeholder alignment to deliver measurable outcomes.

This role involves up to 25% travel, including potential international travel, and requires a BS in engineering or

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences required.
• 3+ years of project leadership in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) or new product and process development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams (engineering, technical, operations) in project planning, execution, and risk management.
• Experience developing project plans, managing budgets and timelines, and communicating project status across multiple organizational levels.
• Experience applying structured project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end NPI project execution, including financial planning, resource planning, and budget management across all project stages.
• Develop and validate business cases - including P&L implications and value proposition analysis - aligned to division strategy, market needs, and competitive landscape.
• Monitor project scope, timeline, and risk; communicate changes and recommendations to business leadership and key stakeholders.
• Engage customers throughout each project stage to align on scope, interpret product requirements, and confirm the value proposition.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, and product development; ensure compliance with safety, quality, and intellectual property requirements.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional teams

Structured PM

Education

B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences

MBA or Master’s

Tools

MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)

Job description

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Project Leader to guide cross-functional engineering and operations teams through New Product Introduction (NPI) and related product development efforts. You will own project execution from business case development through manufacturing implementation, driving scope, timeline, budget, and stakeholder alignment to deliver measurable outcomes.

This role involves up to 25% travel, including potential international travel, and requires a BS in engineering or