Supervisor; R&D

Supervisor (R&D)

** Date:
** Jun 17, 2026

*
* Location:

** Hickory, NC, US, 28601

** Company:
** Corning

Requisition Number: 75674

** 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.

*
* 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

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* Required Skills:

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* + 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

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