Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 125,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

Pension plan

401(k) with company match

Health benefits

Paid parental leave

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in the United States is seeking a Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping to lead the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic networks. You will drive execution from concept to handoff to Technology or manufacturing teams, ensuring timely, cost-effective prototypes aligned with development goals.

You will coordinate across internal customers, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to optimize prototype planning, materials,

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or applicable technical discipline.
• 5+ years in development, prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or experimental labs.
• Experience coordinating technical projects from concept through prototype build and evaluation.
• Experience across multiple product concepts, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience providing technical direction or leadership to engineers, technicians, or project teams.
• Strong understanding of prototype development processes, including design coordination, material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, and delivery.
• Knowledge of optical connectivity solutions, including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable fundamentals.
• Ability to translate customer and development team requirements into practical, functional prototype solutions.
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methods in a fast-paced development environment.
• Proven ability to lead and influence project teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills grounded in practical and data-driven approaches.
• Ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and coordinate internal and external resources.
• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical capability.
• Ability to clearly express technical ideas and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support rapid prototyping teams in the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic network applications.
• Drive prototype execution from concept through build, evaluation, and handoff to Technology teams or manufacturing operations, meeting functional, timing, and cost objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve prototype responsiveness, build quality, cost, and execution efficiency through improved materials, fabrication methods, supplier coordination, and process standardization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customers, Market Development, Product Line Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and advanced R&D to ensure prototype objectives, feasibility, and manufacturability are aligned.
• Contribute to prototype planning, resource coordination, and execution strategy in support of product and technology development roadmaps.
• Maintain awareness of emerging fabrication methods, tooling approaches, assembly techniques, and optical connectivity technologies and support their application across new product introductions and process improvements.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts, tooling designers, fabrication suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cable assembly houses to establish build requirements and deliver prototypes effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical aptitude

Analytical thinking

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

Prototype tooling

Fabrication methods

Pilot builds

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: 79387

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

Responsible for leading rapid prototyping activities supporting the design, development, and delivery of optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks. The Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping oversees prototype execution from concept through build and delivery, ensuring prototypes are functional, timely, cost-effective, and aligned with development objectives. This execution-focused leadership role applies practical engineering knowledge, supplier coordination, fabrication planning, and structured problem-solving to support product and process development across Corning divisions, research, and development programs. Operating primarily at the project and team level, the Supervisor leads and supports engineers and technicians, collaborates cross-functionally with internal customers and external partners, and drives prototype readiness, manufacturability input, and continuous improvement in rapid prototyping capabilities.

Day To Day Responsibilities

• Lead and support rapid prototyping teams in the design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes for fiber optic network applications.
• Drive prototype execution from concept through build, evaluation, and handoff to Technology teams or manufacturing operations, meeting functional, timing, and cost objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve prototype responsiveness, build quality, cost, and execution efficiency through improved materials, fabrication methods, supplier coordination, and process standardization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with customers, Market Development, Product Line Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and advanced R&D to ensure prototype objectives, feasibility, and manufacturability are aligned.
• Contribute to prototype planning, resource coordination, and execution strategy in support of product and technology development roadmaps.
• Maintain awareness of emerging fabrication methods, tooling approaches, assembly techniques, and optical connectivity technologies and support their application across new product introductions and process improvements.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts, tooling designers, fabrication suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cable assembly houses to establish build requirements and deliver prototypes effectively.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Engineering, Project Management, or applicable technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a development, prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or experimental laboratory environment, with a proven track record of supporting prototype design, build, and delivery activities.
• Experience coordinating technical projects from concept through prototype build and evaluation.
• Experience working across multiple product concepts, fabrication methods, and/or manufacturing processes.
• Experience providing technical direction or leadership to engineers, technicians, or project teams.
• Strong understanding of prototype development processes, including design coordination, material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, and delivery.
• Knowledge of optical connectivity solutions, including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable fundamentals.
• Ability to translate customer and development team requirements into practical, functional prototype solutions.
• Experience applying structured problem-solving methods in a fast-paced development environment.
• Proven ability to lead and influence project teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills grounded in practical and data-driven approaches.
• Ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and coordinate internal and external resources.
• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical capability.
• Ability to clearly express technical ideas and communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in optical connectivity, fiber optic cable assemblies, connectorization, or related optical network hardware.
• Familiarity with prototype tooling, fabrication methods, pilot builds, and process documentation.
• Experience working with suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and global manufacturing plants.
• Experience supporting manufacturability assessment and implementation of new process technologies.
• Project management experience with demonstrated use of formal tools and methodologies.
• Experience driving continuous improvement, innovation, and technical capability growth within development or prototyping organizations.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $124,996.00 - $171,870.00 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.

• 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 [e-mail].