Senior Process Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Number: 75405

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. 

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

• Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
• Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
• Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
• Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
• Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
• Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Corning is seeking an experienced Senior Process & System Engineer to lead the development, scale-up, and manufacturing readiness of complex production processes, owning the full technology transfer from R&D and pilot environments into full-scale manufacturing.

This is a high-visibility, cross-functional role supporting Corning's advanced manufacturing network, with impact beyond a single site. You'll partner directly with engineering, operations, and R&D leaders on critical manufacturing transformations, with direct senior leadership visibility. Relocation assistance is available for candidates outside the immediate area.

The role combines deep process engineering expertise with systems integration thinking, aligning process design, equipment qualification, controls, quality systems, and manufacturing operations to deliver scalable, repeatable, and validated processes.

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing process development, from process architecture definition through pilot builds, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and full production ramp
• Define process flow diagrams (PFDs), equipment requirements, controls interfaces, and quality checkpoints for complex manufacturing systems
• Enabling process assessment and continuous improvement through process engineering fundamentals-driving capability enhancement and advancing toward manufacturing process excellence
• Apply systems engineering principles to ensure alignment across process design, equipment capability, controls, and manufacturing operations
• Lead technical risk identification and resolution using FMEA, root cause analysis, 8D, and Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Drive New Product Introduction (NPI) and technology transfer, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and long-term process operability post-launch
• Partner with process, mechanical, controls, quality, and manufacturing teams to build in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and scalability from day one
• Manage external equipment suppliers and system integrators to develop and qualify production-ready systems
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical teams and senior leadership, influencing cost- and quality-focused decisions

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Materials, or related); Master's preferred, with advanced-degree candidates considered with fewer years of experience
• 5+ years of applied engineering experience in process engineering, systems engineering, or advanced manufacturing
• Proven experience leading manufacturing scale-up, technology transfer, or NPI from R&D/pilot stage through full production
• Proficiency with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, DOE, SPC, FMEA, and root cause analysis
• Experience with process capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk) and statistical tools such as Minitab or JMP
• Willingness to travel up to 50% in a project-based role supporting multiple Corning manufacturing sites, including travel for equipment builds, commissioning, and ramp-up; offers exposure to global, cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and automation solutions. Travel level varies by project phase and milestone

• Experience with high-precision, automated, or high-throughput manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), control plans, APQP, and ISO 9001 / IATF 16949
• Background in optical fiber, specialty glass, ceramics, semiconductor, defense/aerospace, or life sciences manufacturing
• Experience with value stream mapping, continuous improvement, and production systems design

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. 

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 accommodations@corning.com.