Development Engineer

Date: Oct 9, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 78565

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 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

Corning is a world leader in specialty glass and ceramics and a global leader in optical communications. Our Cable Development team is seeking a Cable Development Engineer to drive next-generation fiber optic cable product and process development. In this role, you will work across global project teams to solve customer problems, advance manufacturing capabilities, and create new intellectual property for Corning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to regional and global cross-functional project teams, developing fiber optic cable products and processes from concept through manufacturing transfer
• Design, develop, and optimize equipment and processes for cable development; investigate new processing techniques to enable innovative cable designs
• Conduct research, design experiments, and analyze data to test hypotheses and deliver inventive solutions for new development efforts
• Interface with suppliers and procurement to evaluate new polymeric materials, develop state-of-the-art equipment, and support customer application needs
• Perform risk assessments of cable designs, materials, and processes; document and present findings in technical reports and presentations

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Engineering
• Demonstrated applied mechanical aptitude with the ability to execute project assignments independently
• Applied experience with structured problem-solving methodologies such as Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and/or Manufacturing Engineering Excellence (MEE)
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical data
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including international

Experiences/Education - Desired

• 1+ years of experience in product or process development
• Experience in fiber optics, cable design, polymer extrusion, or UV curing processes
• Familiarity with flame retardant materials and fiber optic cable burn test standards
• Experience with CAD software for mechanical drawings
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools such as JMP, Minitab, or SPC methods
• Experience with modeling or simulation software for product or process development
• Project management experience

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $85,304.00 - $117,293.00 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 [email protected].

Nearest Major Market: Hickory