Plant Technology Intern - Summer 2027

Corning Incorporated; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 74,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Company-sponsored events

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Wilmington, North Carolina, invites you to join its Optical Communications internship program for Summer 2027. You'll work on cutting-edge fiber manufacturing and technology development projects within a Fortune 500 company renowned for breakthroughs in glass, ceramics, and materials science.

This 12-week program offers housing assistance, social events, and opportunities to collaborate with engineering teams while contributing to real product improvements.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Engineering or Science, in progress or completed.
• GPA of 3.2 or above.
• Relevant experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• While participating in a team environment, own key project objectives critical to Corning’s success.
• Interface with various technology, engineering, and operations groups to understand potential impact of product, equipment, and process changes.
• Ensure communication is established to address concerns and obtain assistance/buy‑in.
• Review performance data on new processes/findings and effectively draw conclusions.
• Communicate effectively to personnel at various levels up to and including the staff level.
• Must be available for 12 weeks during Summer 2027 (May‑August 2027) with a graduation date of December 2027 or later
• Be interested in working for Corning, Inc after graduation, if presented with a full‑time job opportunity.
• Be willing to work at the posted job location

Skills

Engineering process fundamentals

Data analysis

Analytical problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Results-oriented

Education

BS/MS in Engineering or Science

GPA 3.2+

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: 77506 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. Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges. Note – The following job posting is for Corning’s Wilmington, North Carolina optical fiber manufacturing facility. Want to spend summer living and working in one of the East coast’s best beach towns? At Wilmington’s Corning optical fiber facility, you will have the opportunity to spend your summer hanging out at the beach and exploring one of the southeast’s most historic cities while also working on cutting edge technological advancements to help develop optical fibers within a longstanding Fortune 500 Company. Inclusive housing is provided as part of this program, along with numerous company‑sponsored events to help introduce you to the culture of Corning’s company and its employees. Corning’s Wilmington facility has been producing fiber since 1978, and it was the first facility in the world to produce optical fiber for commercial and industrial use. While the Wilmington plant is a full‑scale manufacturing facility that produces Corning’s full portfolio of fiber products, it also serves as a development center for next‑gen products and processes through collaboration with R&D. Since the production of optical fiber is complex and multi‑faceted, the Wilmington plant relies on a diverse set of engineering disciplines to drive innovations. Corning’s company history is filled with breakthrough technologies that have played an important role in the way the world works. We thrive on solving difficult, commercially relevant problems through an innovative and collaborative research and development process. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, more than 160 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, and a distinctive collaborative culture. Corning is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics, creating and manufacturing keystone components that enable high‑technology systems in consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, and life sciences. Our Optical Communications segment delivers connectivity to every edge of the network, from optical fiber, cable, hardware, and equipment to fully‑optimized optical solutions. What we do is life changing. Our innovations help customers keep pace with the world’s insatiable demand for bandwidth, accelerating the delivery of information and keeping the world connected to the important people, places, and things that enhance our lives.

Purpose

• As a part of an engineering team, utilize fundamental understanding to complete key project deliverables in optical fiber manufacturing or technology development groups.

Scope Of Position

• Use scientific method to design and conduct testing/experimentation to collect required data.
• Analyze process data to develop product, process, or equipment improvements.
• Give recommendation for improvements, present findings, and document work.

Program Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Housing assistance
• Travel reimbursement

Intern Activities

• Social and networking events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Community Involvement

Responsibilities

• While participating in a team environment, own key project objectives critical to Corning’s success.
• Interface with various technology, engineering, and operations groups to understand potential impact of product, equipment, and process changes.
• Ensure communication is established to address concerns and obtain assistance/buy‑in.
• Review performance data on new processes/findings and effectively draw conclusions.
• Communicate effectively to personnel at various levels up to and including the staff level.
• Must be available for 12 weeks during Summer 2027 (May‑August 2027) with a graduation date of December 2027 or later
• Be interested in working for Corning, Inc after graduation, if presented with a full‑time job opportunity.
• Be willing to work at the posted job location

Education And Experience

• BS/MS ChemE, MSE, Ceramic Engr., MechE, EE/Controls, Physics, CompSci, CompE, or similar in progress
• GPA of 3.2 or above
• Relevant experience a plus

Required Skills

• Familiarity with engineering process fundamentals and scientific methodology (e.g. designing and using critical experiments to drive fundamental understanding)
• Data/statistical analysis skills
• Analytical problem-solving skills
• Ability to build relationships, work in teams and interact with all levels of the organization
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively present information
• Results-oriented

Hours Of Work / Work Schedule / Flex-time

Basic work hours are 40hrs/week; 8am-5pm; additional hours/weekends when needed to meet project objectives

Travel Requirements:

None

Background And Reference Materials

• Understanding Fiber Optics by Jeff Hecht
• Practical Fiber Optics by D. Bailey and E. Wright
• Optical Fiber Communications by J.M. Senior
• Introduction to Glass Science and Technology by J.E. Shelby.
• Fiber 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_kA8EpCUQo
• Why’s of Optical Fiber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FI-plS3u5s
• Corning Fiber Manufacturing Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tsF3mSpqX8
• Corning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CorningIncorporated

The range for this position is $1,635.00 - $3,185.00 biweekly. Starting pay for the successful applicant is prescribed based on geographic location, nature of position, and year in school.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

A job that shapes a life.

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].