Automation Engineering Department Head

Automation Engineering Department Head

** Date:
** Jul 10, 2026

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* Location:

** Concord, NC, US, 28026

** Company:
** Corning

Requisition Number: 76402

** 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:

*
* Lead and direct a group of Engineers and Technicians that are responsible for the Fiber Processing Area (FPA), Warehouse/Shipping, and automated equipment across the facility.  Establish, prioritize, & execute a project and process improvement portfolio that delivers new products and process capabilities to meet business objectives. Develop & deploy in-depth technical talent that solves problems by creating and institutionalizing advanced understanding in core technology areas.

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* Key Responsibilities:

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* -    Objectively assess department needs to help ensure equipment can meet output requirements in all areas of the plant.

-    Establish strategy & portfolio that brings engineering & innovation solutions to meet business needs.

-    Partner with Operations to understand equipment performance requirements for automated equipment that translates to efficient and lean staffing models.

-    Act as facility main POC on for all Automation and utilize MIE for new product/process transfers to establish an efficient integration into plant production.  Partner with our Division Engineering & Technology groups to execute division strategy for 5-year automation roadmap.

-    Champion the use of key PEX and Project Management tools to help create rigor and structure to the execution of project and process improvements.

-    Interpret business needs & incorporate them into project team goals. Integrate project details with management needs to form a well-articulated & executable project direction. Engage with project leaders & stakeholders to clarify and adjust direction.

-    Secure, motivate, and integrate people into project teams (direct reports & matrix team members) on critical opportunities and problems.

-    Set expectations for the team to develop fundamental understanding & deep process knowledge. Coach & provide feedback on the approach. Drive teams to apply & institutionalize these learnings into Manufacturing & Engineering systems to ensure sustainability.

-    Engage with Development to maintain awareness of technology inventory in R&D and externally. Be an advocate to pull in new technologies.

-    Manage department and project budgets and forecasts and participate in monthly reviews with finance.

-    Excel at managing formal people processes and informal people development. Provide coaching for broad & deep personal development of engineering team. Establish coaching relationships outside of immediate team for personal development.

** Competencies (knowledge, skills and behaviors):*
* -    Financial Analysis & Management (Engineering)

-    Act with…