Solutions Innovation Engineer

The company built on breakthroughs. ​ 
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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.

Overview

Corning Optical Communications is seeking a Solutions Innovation Engineer to drive differentiated solution development for the Hyperscale Data Center market. In this role, you will engage directly with customers, identify unmet needs, and guide concepts from early prototyping through commercialization — advancing Corning's optical innovation leadership.

Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Research customer challenges in the data center market through direct engagement, field interactions, and industry events

• Collaborate with Prototyping and Engineering teams on solution ideation and rapid prototype development to gather early customer feedback

• Gather, report, and present technical findings to customers and internal stakeholders.

• Drive engineering studies that quantify solution, value propositions and support customer adoption

• Support intellectual property protection, including patents and related filings, in collaboration with legal teams

• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject-matter expert for Data Center solutions and innovations

Work Hours, Location and Travel Requirements

• 40 hours/week

• Location: Charlotte, NC and Hickory, NC

• Up to 50% (Domestic and International)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• Experience developing prototypes to validate solution concepts and confirm value propositions
• Project management experience, including planning, executing, and delivering innovation projects on time and within budget

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline

• Experience in the hyperscale data center, optical networking, or fiber connectivity market

• Familiarity with different optical architectures and emerging interconnect technologies

• Experience supporting intellectual property filings or patent documentation

Skills / Competencies

• Translates complex technical findings into clear, actionable communications for non-technical stakeholders

• Engages customers to understand their needs and develop market-relevant solutions

• Cross functional collaboration with Engineering, Technology, Legal, and Sales to deliver innovation solutions

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $100,646.00 - $138,388.00 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] .