Senior Program Manager

Corning; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

401(k) matching

Comprehensive health benefits

Parental leave and wellness programs

Job summary

Corning is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead technical teams and drive programs meeting customer in-market needs in optical technologies. Your role spans defining plan, coordinating with customers, and ensuring the program delivers value while staying within budget.

The position requires a technical bachelor’s (engineering/physical sciences) and 10+ years in project management, with an emphasis on cross-functional leadership and risk management. Travel up to 50% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences required
• 10+ years’ experience in Project Management / Leadership
• Ability to lead cross functional teams and manage risks
• Strong technical aptitude and relationship-building with customers
• Ability to balance analytical thinking with practical judgment

Responsibilities

• Defines and executes an overall program plan within budget
• Monitors changes in customer requirements and adjusts strategy
• Sets program messages and coordinates with leadership, customers and team members
• Develops a compelling business case and value proposition for the product
• Identifies IP considerations and protects intellectual property
• Travel up to 50% (including international) for program needs

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences

Master’s degree in optics (plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)

Job description

Requisition Number:77844

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.

The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals to meet demand for unique customer needs. Consequently, this segment operates in a wide variety of commercial and industrial markets that include display optics and components, semiconductor optics components, aerospace and defense, astronomy, ophthalmic products, telecommunications components and cover glass that is optimized for portable display devices.

Purpose of Position

Position will be responsible for leading technical teams and working with customers to execute programs and meet customer‑in‑market needs in a broad case of optical technologies

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Defines and executes an overall program plan, including financial and people resources that allows the program to scale appropriately in each stage to meet program objectives and remain within budget. Drives the program's progress, reconfirming the program's value proposition, and recommending the progression (or elimination) of the program to leadership, as appropriate
• Monitors for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and resolves impact on the program's strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition. Works with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to lead the scope of the program, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed.
• Sets key program messages and handles the information flow related to program direction, issues, needs, and progress with key program constituencies including business leadership, corporate leadership, customers, and team members.
• Develops and leads a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division’s strategy, market needs, and competition. Identifies commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to improve the program's business case. Oversees product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continued differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.
• Identifies potential origins of strategic control, ensures that intellectual property is protected
• Utilizes Corning's innovation process as appropriate to direct program activities.
• Travel Requirements:
• We anticipate up to 50% travel for this role at times depending on the program. May involve international travel.

Required Qualifications

• We require a Bachelor’s Degree – preferably in a technical field (Engineering or Physical Sciences). Experience in optics and Master’s Degree a plus.
• 10+ years’ experience with Project Management / Leadership in leading internal or external teams
• Ability to lead cross functional teams (commercial, technical, operations) in execution of programs, risk management, problem solving and execution of strategy
• Proven technical aptitude with ability to discern technical approaches by asking the right questions of the team and communicate updates across multiple organizational levels
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external customers
• Able to make sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment, bias toward action.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with a Stage Gate Product Development Process
• Entrepreneurial attitude and approach toward creating new engineered products
• A passionate and creative problem solver
• Organized, meticulous attention to detail, self‑starter, and motivated
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Tools (Powerpoint, Excel, Word, Project).

Required to sign a covenant not to compete.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $116,625.00-$160,360.00 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 ofrace, 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].