Modernization Project Manager Jobs in Hickory, NC

Requisition Number: 77030

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The global Information Technology (IT) Function is leading efforts to align IT and Business Strategy, leverage IT investments, and optimize end to end business processes and associated information integration technologies.  Through these efforts, IT helps to improve the competitive position of Corning's businesses through IT enabled processes.  IT also delivers Information Technology applications, infrastructure, and project services in a cost efficient manner to Corning worldwide.

Position Summary

The IT Infrastructure Team Lead is responsible for leading the planning, deployment, support, and continuous improvement of the technology infrastructure supporting manufacturing and business operations across the Trivium campus. This role provides technical and operational leadership for network infrastructure, server and storage platforms, end-user computing, manufacturing floor technology, cybersecurity compliance, and digital transformation initiatives.

The Infrastructure Team Lead serves as the primary liaison between plant operations, corporate infrastructure service lines, cybersecurity teams, and local IT resources to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable technology services. This position plays a key leadership role in supporting manufacturing line deployments, infrastructure modernization efforts, and operational readiness activities. The role aligns infrastructure investments with business objectives while ensuring high availability of critical manufacturing systems.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor local infrastructure, field services, and manufacturing support personnel.
• Establish team priorities and workload balancing across North and South facilities.
• Drive accountability for incident management, project execution, and service delivery.
• Develop employee growth plans and technical competency roadmaps.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and project resources as needed.

Infrastructure Operations

• Oversee daily support and maintenance of plant IT infrastructure.
• Ensure availability and reliability of:
• Networks and wireless infrastructure
• Server and virtualization platforms
• Storage and backup environments
• Manufacturing operator stations
• HMI and production support systems
• Print services and mobile devices
• Lead troubleshooting of complex infrastructure and connectivity issues.
• Manage infrastructure lifecycle planning and technology refresh initiatives.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Manufacturing Technology Support

• Support deployment and sustainment of manufacturing-line technology including Operator stations, RF devices, Zebra printers, HMI systems, Manufacturing kiosks, Industrial network connectivity
• Coordinate infrastructure readiness for new product introductions and line expansions.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Controls teams to ensure production technology reliability.
• Ensure manufacturing systems maintain required uptime and performance levels.

Network & Infrastructure Modernization

• Support campus infrastructure improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with corporate infrastructure service lines on strategic architecture decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve scalability, performance, and operational efficiency.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Ensure infrastructure complies with Corning cybersecurity standards.
• Coordinate vulnerability remediation, patching, and security audits.
• Manage firewall requests, infrastructure permissions, and access controls.
• Support incident response and recovery efforts.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices throughout the site.
• Partner with Information Security teams on risk mitigation activities.

Project & Portfolio Management

• Lead infrastructure-related projects from planning through implementation.
• Develop project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate infrastructure resources supporting plant expansions and strategic initiatives.
• Track and communicate project status to leadership.
• Manage competing priorities while minimizing operational impact.

Service Line & Vendor Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between Trivium and enterprise Infrastructure service-line organizations.
• Escalate operational risks and infrastructure concerns appropriately.
• Manage vendor relationships and service performance expectations.

Governance & Standards

• Establish and maintain infrastructure standards and best practices.
• Ensure accurate documentation of Network diagrams, Server inventories, Disaster recovery procedures, Infrastructure architecture
• Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture and operational standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5+ years of IT Infrastructure experience.
• 3+ years of Infrastructure Project management and infrastructure deployment methodologies
• Experience supporting manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Experience supporting Digital Transformation initiatives within manufacturing environments.
• Fiber optic, LAN/WAN, and industrial network infrastructure
• Endpoint management for desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and manufacturing floor technology
• Cybersecurity fundamentals including vulnerability management, patching, access controls, and security compliance
• Knowledge of manufacturing systems, including MES, SCADA, PI Historian, HMI platforms, and production support technologies.
• Infrastructure monitoring, performance management, and capacity planning
• IT service management and incident/problem resolution processes
• Technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and operational procedures
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Windows Server Administration and Active Directory (AD, DNS, DHCP)
• VMware vSphere, ESX, and virtualization technologies
• Enterprise storage, backup, and disaster recovery solutions
• Cisco networking; including switching, routing, wireless, and network troubleshooting
• Vendor management and technology procurement
• Experience enabling or supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and advanced analytics platforms.
• Experience supporting infrastructure requirements for AI workloads, data ingestion, edge computing, and real-time manufacturing analytics.
• Strong collaboration with Engineering, Operations, Controls, SAP, and enterprise service-line organizations
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $91,927.00 - $126,400.00 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.  

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.