Technical Writer

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 68,723 - 94,495; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses and incentives

Pension plan

Health benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

401(k) matching

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Technical Writer to develop documentation for custom automation equipment from concept through supplier build and plant deployment. You will collaborate with mechanical, controls, systems, and process engineers to turn complex information into clear, accurate documents that suppliers can build from and engineers can maintain.

Your writing must be accessible to readers at a high school or community college level while remaining technically precise, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, Journalism, Professional Writing, Science Writing, English, or related field with 2–4 years of professional writing experience, or a Master's with 0–2 years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly for non‑expert readers without sacrificing technical accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to interview subject‑matter experts and turn complex information into structured, readable documents.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word and comfort producing diagrams in Microsoft Visio or a similar tool.

Responsibilities

• Author technical specifications for external suppliers, defining performance, functionality, design, and interface requirements for custom equipment.
• Author engineering manuals and reports summarizing design, build, and test results of development and pilot production equipment.
• Interview engineers and capture technical data from apparatus, drawings, and 3D models, translating into clear documentation.
• Navigate 3D CAD models in SolidWorks to isolate parts, review assemblies, and create cross‑sections (training provided).
• Partner with engineers on highly technical content, reorganizing and simplifying source material for the intended audience.
• Create 2D block diagrams, flow diagrams, and concept sketches using Microsoft Visio.
• Validate documents through structured review with subject‑matter experts while maintaining version control and consistent formatting.

Skills

Interviews SMEs

Clear writing

Attention to detail

Strong organization

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication/related field

Master's degree (0–2 years experience)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Visio

SolidWorks navigation

Job description

Technical Writer – Optical Communications

Corning is a leading innovator in glass, ceramic, and materials science. We develop optical solutions across the communications industry.

Role Purpose

As a Technical Writer, you will create technical documentation that moves custom automation equipment from concept through supplier build into plant deployment. You will partner with mechanical, controls, systems, and process engineers to turn complex technical information into clear, accurate documents that suppliers can build from, engineers can maintain, and program teams can use to make decisions. Your writing will be accessible to readers with a high school or community college reading level while remaining technically precise.

Key Responsibilities

• Author technical specifications for external suppliers, defining required performance, functionality, design, and interface requirements for custom equipment.
• Author engineering manuals and reports summarizing design, build, and test results of development and pilot production equipment.
• Interview engineers and capture technical data from apparatus, drawings, and 3D models, translating into clear documentation.
• Navigate 3D CAD models in SolidWorks to isolate parts, review assemblies, and create cross‑sections (training provided).
• Partner with engineers on highly technical content, reorganizing and simplifying source material for the intended audience.
• Create 2D block diagrams, flow diagrams, and concept sketches using Microsoft Visio.
• Validate documents through structured review with subject‑matter experts while maintaining version control and consistent formatting.

Education and Experience – Required

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Communication, Journalism, Professional Writing, Science Writing, English, or related field with 2–4 years of professional writing experience, or a Master's degree with 0–2 years of experience. Candidates from adjacent humanities or social science backgrounds with a relevant portfolio may also be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly for non‑expert readers without sacrificing technical accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to interview subject‑matter experts and turn complex information into structured, readable documents.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word and comfort producing diagrams in Microsoft Visio or a similar tool.
• Curiosity about how mechanical, electrical, and software systems work, and willingness to learn enough to write accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Desired Experience

• Prior experience writing for industrial equipment, manufacturing systems, automation, or engineering hardware.
• Experience navigating 3D models in SolidWorks, or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with supplier‑facing documents such as technical specifications, scopes of work, or RFQ packages.
• Willingness to learn and apply generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot to support drafting and editing.

Travel and Work Hours

• Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• Up to 15% international travel, including occasional travel to supplier sites.

Compensation

The range for this position is $68,723.00 - $94,495.00 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.

Benefits

Corning offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health and wellness, financial well‑being, and career from day one.

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives aligned with key business results.
• Company‑paid pension benefit with fixed contributions growing throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k), total contributions can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay.
• Health and wellness benefits including 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.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

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].