Materials Development Engineer

Requisition Number: 75642

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.

Purpose of Position:

Lead materials development activities related to COC (Corning Optical Communications) globally, focusing on materials for global use. Support active interaction with the COC Global Materials Group members as well with the materials groups within Corning. Apply expertise and innovation in polymer science and engineering to support new product development activities and assist with existing products. Assist with polymer compound selection and evaluation for cable applications and connector products.

Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems. Also demonstrate technical leadership and innovation in the area of materials science and polymer engineering through rigorous mechanistic problem solving approaches.

Major Roles & Responsibilities:

Day-to-Day
Conduct research, propose experiments and analyze data to test hypotheses to enhance understanding of products and processes and to provide Corning with inventive solutions toward new development efforts.
Apply sophisticated scientific or engineering understanding to research or development problems, ideas or projects.
Participate in project teams, providing polymer materials fundamental understanding and development support
Interface with suppliers and procurement to test and evaluate new materials, analytical equipment and services. Work with suppliers to resolve problems with materials as well as maintain relationship with suppliers to stay abreast of new material availability.
Lead and support materials-focused development work for short and long-term R&D goals
Balance hands-on work related activities with technical leadership related activities
Collaborate with research and manufacturing functions throughout product development cycle
Make assignments to technicians
Communicate and document results

Required Education & Experience:
Bachelors degree in material science, engineering or chemistry required - (0-2 years)
Masters degree is a plus - (0-1 years)

Required Skills:

Experience with thermoplastic polymers / polymer compounds
Relevant experience in product development or product testing
Ability to develop new test methods for in-depth product characterization
Ability to apply fundamental understanding & scientific principles to solve technical problems and identify product solutions
Ability to document work and write reports in clear English that can convey technical investigation findings
Ability to formulate testing protocols for desired material properties, starting with basic analytic capabilities (FTIR, TGA, DSC, ...)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Sharepoint)

Desired Skills:
Knowledge of engineering thermoplastics (also high temperature), silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers and epoxy compounds
Basic knowledge in sealing, encapsulation and physical support of materials for product development
Basic knowledge of injection molding and/or extrusion
Structure-property knowledge of engineering thermoplastics and elastomers
Hands on experience with polymer characterization methods such as rheology, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA, SEM and mechanical testing; understanding or experience with optical testing a plus
Experiences with the evaluation of product lifetime
International Work Experience

Soft Skills:
Ability to work within a multicultural team environment
Ability to multitask
Ability to work independently
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to mentor other engineers and…