NPI Project Leader – Optics & Photonics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Pension plan

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Corning, Inc. is seeking a Project Leader to drive cross-functional engineering and operations teams through New Product Introduction and related development initiatives. You will own execution from business case through manufacturing implementation, guiding scope, timeline, budget, and stakeholder alignment to deliver measurable outcomes.

Travel up to 25% is expected. The role requires a B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences, 3+ years leading manufacturing projects, and experience with NPI

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences required.
• 3+ years of experience leading projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) or new product and process development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams (engineering, operations) in planning, execution, and risk management.
• Experience developing project plans, managing budgets and timelines, and communicating status across levels.
• Experience applying structured project management methodologies.
• MBA or Master’s degree.
• Experience in optics or photonics.
• Experience leading automation or equipment-focused projects.
• Experience with cost reduction initiatives and cost modeling.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end NPI project execution, including financial planning and budget management.
• Develop and validate business cases with P&L implications and value analysis.
• Monitor scope, timeline, and risk; communicate changes to leadership.
• Engage customers to align on scope and requirements.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, operations, and product development.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

NPI expertise

Budget planning

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Cost modeling

Automation projects

Education

B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)

Job description

Corning, Inc. is seeking a Project Leader to drive cross-functional engineering and operations teams through New Product Introduction and related development initiatives. You will own execution from business case through manufacturing implementation, guiding scope, timeline, budget, and stakeholder alignment to deliver measurable outcomes.

Travel up to 25% is expected. The role requires a B.S. in Engineering or Physical Sciences, 3+ years leading manufacturing projects, and experience with NPI