Wafer Process Engineer

Corning, Inc.; Hemlock (MI); On-site; USD 97,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer in manufacturing to develop, optimize, and maintain production processes for high-quality products.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to solve technical and engineering challenges, drive continuous improvement, and implement new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The role requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a technical field and 5+ years of manufacturing experience, with strong problem‑solving and data analysis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical, Chemical, or Materials Science engineering.
• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering.
• Ability to standardize data analysis methods.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Knowledge of process control and variation reduction.

Responsibilities

• Support production with stable process performance.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Apply DOE and data‑driven methods.
• Train operators on new processes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Ensure health and safety compliance.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Data analysis

DOE

Six Sigma

Cross‑functional teamwork

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering

Tools

PI Vision

Statistical Analysis Tools

Job description

Requisition Number: 79793

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 Solar business delivers industry leading, U.S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, leveraging our leadership in advanced manufacturing to serve growing energy demand. You will be a part of advancing critical U.S. supply chains and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to customers.

Role Purpose

As a Process Engineer in manufacturing, you will develop, optimize, and maintain manufacturing processes to support the efficient production of high-quality products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical and engineering-related problems, drive continuous improvement, and implement new technologies that improve production efficiency and reduce costs. This role is responsible for advancing fundamental process understanding and supporting the lowest practical manufacturing cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to line, department, and plant performance through active involvement in production support and process development activities.
• Provide daily engineering support to manufacturing operations to maintain stable process performance, resolve issues quickly, and achieve production objectives.
• Apply structured, methodical problem‑solving techniques to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, reduce process variability, and sustain improvements.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects that reduce cost, downtime, and defects while improving yield, quality, productivity, and overall operational performance.
• Develop a deep technical understanding of critical process steps through rigorous analysis and the application of engineering principles, including the relationship between process and equipment inputs and their impact on product quality and performance.
• Use statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and other data‑driven methods to solve process issues and optimize manufacturing performance.
• Analyze process and equipment data using PI Vision and other machine‑data platforms to support process monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
• Identify gaps in work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process setups. Lead improvements through documented change‑control processes and ensure updated standards are implemented, maintained, and followed.
• Support new product introductions through equipment installation, process qualification, documentation development, operator training, and process certification activities.
• Develop and deliver training for production personnel on new equipment, processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Document process knowledge and technical learnings through process development plans, engineering reviews, and ongoing knowledge‑sharing activities to build organizational capability.
• Establish and maintain Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge in designated materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment technologies.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to engineers and problem‑solving teams, including facilitating team activities and delegating tasks in pursuit of solutions.
• Collaborate closely with operators, production leadership, and cross‑functional partners to understand operational challenges, communicate priorities, and execute improvement plans.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Identify potential hazards, implement risk‑mitigation strategies, and promote a strong safety culture throughout manufacturing operations.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to convert routine data retrieval and analysis into a consistent, standard methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to reduce process variability and identify the root causes of special‑cause variation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including the ability to facilitate problem‑solving teams and delegate tasks effectively.
• Working knowledge of process control and process discipline.
• Sound judgment to determine when an existing standard operating procedure applies and when additional stakeholder input is required.
• Ability to manage multiple complex priorities and support multiple internal customers.
• Results‑oriented approach with a strong commitment to delivery.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including formulas, data analysis, and graphing functions.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork in achieving common goals.
• Practical experience with basic statistics and identifying sources of variation.
• Production or technical supervisory experience.
• DMAIC or Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Standard schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Because the role supports a 24/7 manufacturing operation, off-hours support may be required. Participation in the on‑call rotation is expected.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $97,286.00 - $133,768.00 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] .