Sr Product Development Engineer

Date: Oct 14, 2025

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 71328

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.

Innovate and design high precision optical connectors, adapters and related fiber optic telecommunication products.

Collaborate with project leaders, process development engineers, manufacturing engineers and product line management to develop high volume fiber optics products manufactured across the globe.

As a minimum a Product Development Engineer should be able to:

• Create detailed mechanical designs of optical connectors, adapters and related solution assemblies
• Proficiently use 3D CAD software
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances (ASME Y to 3D models and 2D drawings
• Perform tolerance analysis
• Identify design risks with failure mode analysis
• Analyze current designs and new concepts with sensitivity analysis and tolerance allocation
• Design components for high volume injection molding and metal machining processes

• Provide reliable solutions using analytical design and advanced problem-solving techniques
• Provide prototypes for and participate in voice-of-customer meetings
• Design components for high volume precision injection molding and metal machining processes
• Coordinate design efforts with process and manufacturing engineers

• Coordinate product evaluations with internal test labs

• Instruct technicians how to perform required experiments

• Effectively communicate designs and performance data
• Meet project milestones and product cost targets

Travel Requirements: Up to 10% global travel

• B.S., M.S. or PhD Mechanical Engineering required
• 5+ years engineering experience
• Demonstrated ability to solve challenging technical problems by developing creative solutions with an understanding of the underlying engineering principles

• Proficient with the ability to create detailed 3D models of components, assemblies, and systems.

• Scientific curiosity and innovative mindset, using scientific methods

• Self-motivated to deliver results with minimal supervision
• Communicates effectively (verbal and written)
• Organized with good planning and time management skills
• Works effectively with global teams
• Positive attitude, flexible, proactive, and committed work ethic

• Basic understanding of precision manufacturing and measurement techniques
• Familiarity of injection molding and extrusion and polymer selection per application
• Working knowledge of PTC Creo or Solidworks

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $101, $139,953.00 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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at

Nearest Major Market: Hickory