Supervisor; R&D

Position Overview

Corning is a leading innovator in glass, ceramic, and materials science; this role supports the Optical Communications segment focused on carrier and enterprise network solutions.

The successful candidate will supervise a team of engineers and technicians in developing new cable products and processes, applying expertise in cable design, burn testing, processing techniques, and flame‑retardant plastics.

• Supervise, train, and guide engineers and technicians; lead projects and develop engineering skills.
• Coordinate development activities with commercial and production groups from initiation to product transfer.
• Conduct research, propose experiments, analyze data, and deliver inventive solutions.
• Design or modify equipment to support cable development.
• Identify and investigate new processing techniques for innovative cable designs.
• Balance hands‑on technical work with team leadership duties.
• 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 evaluate flame‑retardant materials globally.
• Manage risk assessments related to cable designs, materials, equipment, processes, safety, environment, and customer performance.

• Strong team leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
• Ability to execute project assignments independently in a team‑based environment.
• Strong problem‑solving using engineering principles and structured methods such as MEE.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Clear communication of technical ideas and 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.

• Experience leading technical projects from concept to 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.
• Advanced data analysis with Microsoft Excel, SPC, or statistical software (JMP, Minitab).
• Use of modeling or simulation software in product or process development.
• Computer‑aided design for mechanical drawings.
• Translate technical findings into practical recommendations.
• Support new product or process scale‑up in a manufacturing environment.

• B.S. in Engineering.
• Experience in fiber optics, flame‑retardant cable development, or manufacturing (preferred).

• Solid people leadership, coaching, accountability, and team development.
• Positive attitude and strong learning agility.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills; ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Effective communication in a global work environment.
• Strong facilitation and collaboration to evaluate technical options and align stakeholders.
• Bias toward action, initiative, attention to detail, and results orientation.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Influence across functions to drive progress while maintaining technical quality.
• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making in a fast‑paced environment.
• Balance day‑to‑day supervisory responsibilities with long‑term project objectives.

Up to 25% (national/international).

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 a reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at