Supervisor (R&D)

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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.

Summary:

The successful candidate will be a working supervisor responsible for leading a team of engineers and technicians in the development of new cable products and processes. This role requires knowledge of cable design, burn testing, cable processing techniques, and flame-retardant plastics. The Development Supervisor will guide and develop engineers and technicians while also leading projects as needed. Strong collaboration and coordination across multiple groups are essential.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Supervise, train, and guide engineers and technicians assigned to the team in project leadership, engineering skills, and working effectively with plant systems that support cable development
• Coordinate development activities with commercial and production groups from project initiation through product transfer
• Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to test hypotheses, deepen understanding of products and processes, and deliver inventive solutions for new development efforts
• Design new equipment, or modify and optimize existing equipment, to support cable development
• Identify and investigate new processing techniques to enable innovative cable designs
• Balance hands-on technical work with team leadership responsibilities
• Collect, interpret, communicate, and document results in technical reports and presentations
• Collaborate with research, manufacturing, and OCS functions throughout the product development cycle
• Maintain strong technical interaction with development personnel in the U.S., Mexico, Germany, and Poland
• Create new intellectual property for Corning
• Interface with suppliers and procurement to develop state-of-the-art processes and evaluate flame-retardant materials available globally
• Manage risk assessments related to cable designs, materials, equipment, and processes, including staff safety, plant safety, environmental impact, and customer field issues related to product performance

Required Skills:

• Strong team leadership, coaching, and people development skills
• Ability to execute project assignments in a team-based environment with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving ability using engineering principles and structured methods such as MEE
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and effectively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Familiarity with flame retardant materials, processing, and fiber optic cable burn tests.
• Ability to guide individuals while managing multiple projects simultaneously

Required Education and Experience:

• B.S. in Engineering
• Experience in fiber optics, flame-retardant cable development, or manufacturing is preferred

Desired Skills:

• Experience leading technical projects from concept through implementation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across team leadership and project execution
• Experience with project planning, scheduling, and cross-functional coordination
• Continuous process design and development experience
• Experience with polymer extrusion processes
• Ability to perform complex data analysis using Microsoft Excel, including SPC, or statistical software such as JMP or Minitab
• Demonstrated use of modeling or simulation software in the development of new products or processes
• Experience with computer-aided design for mechanical drawings
• Experience translating technical findings into practical recommendations for manufacturing or development teams
• Experience supporting new product or process scale-up in a manufacturing environment

Soft Skills (Communication/Team/Leadership):

• Solid people leadership skills, including coaching, accountability, and team development
• Positive attitude and strong learning agility
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage teams, management, and customers
• Ability to communicate effectively in a global work environment
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills to evaluate technical options and align stakeholders on direction
• Bias toward action, with strong personal initiative, attention to detail, and results orientation
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to influence across functions and drive progress while maintaining technical quality
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced development environment
• Ability to balance day-to-day supervisory responsibilities with longer-term project objectives

Travel:

• Up To 25% (national/international)

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $124,996.00 - $171,870.00 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.

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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] .