Process Engineer

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

401(k) with company match

Health benefits

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Process Engineer to apply engineering principles for technical assignments and projects in Hickory, NC. The role emphasizes independent decision-making, data-driven process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration across departments.

The position requires a BS in Engineering and 2–5 years of manufacturing experience, with responsibilities including manufacturing support, data analysis, and capital project planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 2–5 years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of process improvement, capital projects, and cost justification.
• Experience with data analysis and statistics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day problem solving support to production operations.
• Analyze data to understand process capability and monitor trends.
• Identify process improvement and cost reduction projects based on data analysis.
• Prepare cost justifications and capital requests for equipment purchases.
• Interface with operators and team leaders to implement improvements.
• Oversee the transfer of new cabling technology and processes to production.

Skills

Process engineering

Problem solving

Cross-functional

Data analysis

Communication

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

Process Engineer

Date: Sep 30, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

**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.

Scope of Position:

Apply knowledge of engineering principles and practices to effectively accomplish technical assignments and projects. Makes decisions independently based upon sound engineering and scientific methods. Actively participates within and beyond department boundaries to resolve important process and product issues. Enhance manufacturing capabilities through the implementation of new ideas and methods. Independently execute projects to fulfill department goals and objectives.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day problem-solving support to production operations
• Analyze data to understand process capability and monitor process trends to drive continued manufacturing excellence
• Identify process improvement and cost reduction projects based on analysis of process data. The individual is expected to utilize the scientific method to develop, test, and prove hypotheses.
• Prepare cost justifications and capital requests for any new equipment purchases that may be required to achieve project goals.
• Interface with operators, team leaders and peers to develop and implement process, equipment, or safety improvements into manufacturing.
• Oversee all aspects of bringing new equipment into production, including preparation of financial justification, designing, specifying, purchasing, as well as tracking all spending related to the project. Develop maintenance and operator training documentation, conducting equipment qualification and initial training of production personnel, and making provisions for repair parts stocking levels. Formally document all aspects of the project
• Support the transfer of new cabling technology, materials, or processes from development to production. Provide processing support during product development, develop plans as to how the equipment/processes will be employed into production and ensure that the new technology is repeatable in a production environment prior to transfer. Ensure all production and maintenance documentation is completed such as MI's, SOP's, PM's, and calibration.

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 10%

Hours of work/work schedule/flextime:

• 8am - 5pm, support off shift as needed
• On-call rotation required (1 week, every 1-2 months)

Required Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other technical field

Required Years and Area of Desired:

• 2-5 years’ experience in manufacturing environment preferred

Required Skills:

• Creative/innovative problem solving
• Strong technical fundamentals with process engineering skills
• Able to collaborate across organizational boundaries and integrate solutions
• Results oriented and high commitment
• The ability to learn new technology and processes quickly

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Statistical packages such as Minitab
• Skill with Structured Problem Solving such as DMAIC or PDCA
• Knowledge of plastic extrusion technologies, Cabling processes and equipment, and/or UV Curable technologies
• Six Sigma Greenbelt or equivalent experience
• Project Management including Cost Estimation, Project Planning, and Execution
• Inventor or another 3D program experience.

Soft Skills:

• Can establish a broad network across the engineering and technology organizations
• Good verbal/written communication and presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills – engaging, enabling, open
• Planning and organization
• Effective in managing multiple priorities
• Can give and receive coaching to/from peers and Technicians

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $84,932.00 - $116,782.00 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.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory