Lead Automation Process Technician

Lead Automation Process Technician

Join Corning, one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. This lead technician role is responsible for supporting OCS Technology automation and process development programs through hands-on operation of pilot and development equipment, execution of process trials, equipment debugging, and capture of standard work. This position provides stable technical and operational support across current automation programs.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Operate and support pilot, prototype, and development automation equipment across OCS Technology programs.
• Execute experiments, process trials, development builds, and DOE activities in partnership with engineering.
• Support equipment startup, debugging, troubleshooting, qualification, and ramp-readiness activities.
• Assist with FAT/SAT activities, vendor trials, and equipment validation as needed.
• Collect, document, and communicate experimental data, observations, and technical results.
• Develop, capture, and maintain standard work, operating procedures, and process documentation.
• Identify process issues and support structured problem solving to improve process capability, stability, and repeatability.
• Partner with engineers, maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to resolve equipment and process issues.
• Provide training and day-to-day guidance to operators or technicians supporting automation development activities.
• Preserve and transfer program knowledge to reduce disruption from turnover and improve onboarding speed.
• Support flexible deployment across automation programs based on business priorities.
• Help enable extended-hour support when required to protect critical development and commercialization milestones.
• Maintain a safe work environment and follow all applicable safety and operating procedures.

Leadership / Lead Responsibilities:

• Serve as a lead technician for assigned automation platforms and development activities.
• Provide hands-on guidance, informal mentorship, and technical direction for other technicians and operators.
• Reinforce documentation discipline, standard work adherence, and execution consistency.
• Help coordinate daily support priorities with engineering to ensure alignment to program milestones.
• Support onboarding and cross-training of new operator and technician resources.
• Act as a continuity anchor for program knowledge, equipment familiarity, and operating practices.

Travel Requirements:
Travel as needed to support vendor visits, FAT/SAT activities, equipment validation, and program execution. Estimated travel up to 10%, depending on project needs.

Hours of Work: 40+ hours per week. Flexibility to support off-shift, extended-hour, or surge work as required by program milestones.

Education:

Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent work experience in a relevant technical field.

Required Years and Area of

Experience:

1+ years of experience in a development, pilot, automation, manufacturing, or experimental technical environment. Experience operating, troubleshooting, or supporting mechanical, electrical, or automated equipment. Experience working in cross-functional teams supporting process development, equipment development, or manufacturing readiness.

Required Skills:

Strong hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude. Ability to operate and troubleshoot automated, semi-automated, or development equipment. Experience executing experiments, collecting data, and documenting results. Ability to follow and develop procedures, standard work, and technical documentation. Strong structured problem-solving skills. Ability to work closely with engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift support based on business needs.

General computer skills including Microsoft Office applications. Ability to make sound decisions using practical judgment and technical understanding.

Desired

Skills:

Experience with DOE, validation, process characterization, or development testing. Experience supporting automation equipment startup, debug, qualification, or ramp. Experience training operators or technicians. Familiarity with optical fiber, connector, or related advanced manufacturing processes. Experience working with vendor equipment or external partners during development and qualification. Experience in pilot-line, NPI, or process industrialization environments.

Soft Skills:

Strong sense of ownership and accountability. Self-motivated with high personal initiative. Organized with strong planning and time-management skills. Collaborative and effective across cross-functional teams. Positive attitude, flexibility, and strong work ethic. Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and technical challenges.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $49,191.00 - $67,638.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a…