Corning

Oct 14, 2026

Sr. Prototyping Engineer

United States

Hickory, North Carolina, United States

About the opportunity

Requisition Number: 75049

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.

Scope of Position

Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks.
Develop knowledge of materials, fundamentals of optical network connectorization including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable.
Work closely with other engineers, technicians and supply chain to design and build prototypes to develop product solutions.
Deliver prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production.
Create and leverage large network of suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers and Cable Assembly Houses to design, build and deliver prototypes.
Projects could support any Corning division or research and development opportunities.

Day to Day Responsibilities

Collaborate with customers, Market Development, Product Line Managers, engineers, technicians, lab managers, suppliers, and supply chain to design, build and deliver prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks.
Coordinate design details, material procurement, fabrication timelines and delivery of prototypes with internal and external resources.
Support project teams and the definition of prototype design objectives and timelines.
Work with internal and external subject matter experts to identify key processing technologies and determine feasibility.
Engage global manufacturing plants to capture manufacturability of proposed solutions and support initial implementation of new process technologies.
Collaborate with internal and external equipment and tooling designers to establish functional requirements.
Capture and deliver new ideas for patent submission.
Ensure that requirements are properly developed and documented in conjunction with appropriate manufacturing, development, and commercial personnel.
Work with manufacturing engineering to develop and implement process documentation for each project as needed.
Lead and collect feedback to iterate and drive adoption.
Maintain and improve a safe work environment.
Work with colleagues to find creative solutions to building prototypes.
Build and leverage network of Product Experts to assist with prototype designs.
Build and leverage network of fabrication capabilities both internally and externally.
Listen to customers for understanding of problem, ideas, and feedback on potential solutions.
Document requests and solutions

Travel Requirements

25%-50% on average depending on the project requirements. Includes international travel.

Required Education

BS in Engineering or Project Management or 10+ years of equivalent experience in a development role.

Required Years and Area of Experience

3-5 years of experience in a development or experimental laboratory environment working with electrical/mechanical assembly and testing.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated problem solving techniques.
Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude.
Ability to clearly express technical ideas.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to communicate effectively to internal and external customers and within multi-national groups
Ability to work in technical project teams in a team member role.
Desire to learn and develop personal and organizational knowledge.
Proficient in the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint)
Design products or manufacturing processes using CAD (ProE / CREO Skills a Must)

Desired Skills

Ability to interpret and generate drawings and schematics.
Familiar with fiber optic theory.
Project management experience and demonstrated application of project management tools.
Proactively collaborates throughout an organization and drives technical culture.
Experience with discrete assembly processing.
Experience developing processes and parameters.
Collaboration with internal and external designers.

Soft Skills

Personal initiative and commitment to success
Organized with good planning and time management skills
Ability to build relationships within cross functional groups; team building skills
Positive attitude, flexible and good work ethic

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $95,759.00 - $131,669.00 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 accommodations@corning.com [accommodations@corning.com?subject=Corning%20Accommodations].

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Sr. Prototyping Engineer

About the opportunity

Scope of Position

Day to Day Responsibilities

Travel Requirements

Required Education

Required Years and Area of Experience

Required Skills

Desired Skills

Soft Skills

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