Supervisor, Rapid Prototyping

Corning Inc.; Keller (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Job summary

Corning Inc. is seeking an experienced leader to manage optical prototype development, coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.

The role focuses on rapid prototyping, process improvement, and scalable build methods for next‑gen fiber optic solutions. You will drive project plans, mentor engineers, and align prototype work with business roadmaps while maintaining a safe and innovative work environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 7+ years in development, prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or experimental lab environment.
• 5+ years of leadership coordinating technical projects from concept through prototype build and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead rapid prototyping teams for design, build, and delivery of optical connectivity prototypes.
• Drive prototype execution from concept through build, evaluation, and handoff to Technology or manufacturing teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure prototype objectives, feasibility, and manufacturability are aligned.
• Plan resources and execution strategy to improve prototype responsiveness, build quality, cost, and efficiency.
• Work with SMEs, fabrication suppliers, and contract manufacturers to document build requirements and lessons learned.
• Support IP development by contributing ideas for patent submissions.

Skills

Prototype leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Optical connectivity knowledge

Project management

Data-driven analytics

Mechanical aptitude

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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.

Role Purpose

Manages technical operations and continuous improvement efforts. Leads and manages a cross-functional group to support new and existing products, processes and/or technologies to the business. Achieves cost, quality, asset effectiveness and service objectives while meeting all safety, health, and environmental requirements. Creates a safe and positive work environment which fosters innovation

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.
• 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, and identify and implements opportunities to improve prototype responsiveness, build quality, cost, and execution efficiency through improved materials, fabrication methods, supplier coordination, and process standardization.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts, tooling designers, fabrication suppliers, contract manufacturers, and cable assembly houses to 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 to establish build requirements and deliver prototypes effectively, thus ensuring prototype requirements, design details, changes, and lessons learned are properly documented in conjunction with manufacturing, development, and commercial personnel.
• Support intellectual property development by contributing to and documenting new ideas for possible patent submissions in accordance with Corning’s IP management process.
• Maintain and promote a safe work environment while fostering creativity, urgency, and technical rigor in prototype development.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 15% on average depending on the project requirements.

Work Schedule

• 8am-5pm; 40 hours/week, with flexibility for additional hours as needed.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or applicable technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in development, prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or experimental laboratory environment; working across multiple product concepts, fabrication methods, and/or manufacturing processes, with a proven track record of providing technical direction or leadership to engineers, technicians, or project teams to support prototype design, build, and delivery activities.
• 7+ years of experience demonstrating strong data-driven analytical approach, and decision making, applying structured problem-solving methods in a fast-paced development environment including design coordination, material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, and delivery to translate customer and development team requirements into practical, functional prototype solutions.
• 5+ years of leadership or management experience coordinating technical projects from concept through prototype build and evaluation, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence project teams in a matrixed environment; driving continuous improvement, innovation, and technical capability growth within development or prototyping organizations. while responding effectively to changing priorities and prototype-related uncertainty.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of optical connectivity solutions, including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable fundamentals.
• Project management experience with demonstrated use of formal tools and methodologies, and demonstrated ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, and coordinate internal and external resources working with suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and global manufacturing plants.
• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical capability, including familiarity with prototype tooling, fabrication methods, pilot builds, and process documentation, and supporting manufacturability assessment and implementation of new process technologies.

Soft Skills

• High engagement with demonstrated ability to develop, support, influence and inspire teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial functions while modeling effective leadership behaviors.
• Ability to build relationships within cross-functional and global groups; team-building skills.
• Adept at simplifying and aligning complex technical needs to set clear prototype priorities and execution direction.

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.

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 [e-mail] .

Nearest Major Market

Dallas

Nearest Secondary Market

Fort Worth