Manufacturing Transformation Engineer
Date: Feb 17, 2026
Location: Newton, NC, US, 28658
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 73469
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:
The Manufacturing Transformation Engineer will drive transformational improvement in manufacturing locations through the integration of varied Process Excellence (PEx) and Lean philosophies, concepts, and tools, with a primary focus on achieving excellence in manufacturing processes. This role will also focus on deploying and embedding Lean foundational competencies, including iKaizen programs, workplace organization (5S), value stream understanding, standardized work, visual performance metrics, and Gemba engagement, to create a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Major Roles and Responsibilities:
Partner with manufacturing sites to identify and execute transformational projects aimed at achieving business objectives, focusing on quality, cost reduction, and delivery improvements.
Develop and implement PEx and Lean strategies that align with business priorities, ensuring the successful deployment of improvement methodologies and manufacturing capabilities.
Train, mentor, and coach site personnel in Lean foundational competencies, including:
iKaizen Programs - Facilitate continuous improvement events and empower teams to identify and act on opportunities for improvement.
Workplace Organization (5S) - Drive implementation and sustainment of 5S principles to ensure organized, efficient, and safe work environments.
Value Stream Understanding - Analyze and optimize value streams to eliminate waste, improve flow, and maximize efficiency.
Standardized Work - Develop and implement standardized work processes to ensure consistency, quality, and sustainability in manufacturing operations.
Visual Performance Metrics - Design and utilize visual tools to track progress, performance, and compliance with Lean initiatives.
Gemba Engagement - Promote active participation in Gemba walks to identify opportunities for improvement and foster collaboration between leadership and frontline teams.
Collaborate with senior leadership and divisional networks to ensure alignment of transformational initiatives with corporate strategies and models.
Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive tangible results in operational performance.
Monitor progress of improvement projects, ensuring long-term sustainability of Lean practices and their impact on profitability.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Decision-Making:
Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing capabilities to enhance quality, cost, and delivery across the division. The pace and sustainability of deployment will directly affect short-term and long-term profitability.
Provide guidance and validation for major manufacturing changes during critical periods, ensuring decisions lead to measurable benefits such as cost reduction, increased margins, enhanced throughput, and reduced inventories.
Methodology Deployment:
Apply Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standardized Work, Root Cause Analysis, Visual Performance Metrics, and Gemba engagement to improve processes and drive cultural transformation.
Serve as a champion for Lean and PEx principles, promoting a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation across teams at all levels.
Minimum Knowledge and Skill Requirements
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead change and influence others in adopting new paradigms to achieve transformational results.
Communication: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to coach and mentor others in technical and systems understanding.
Initiative: High degree of initiative and ability to work effectively in ambiguous situations with minimal supervision.
Teamwork: Strong teamwork and leadership skills, with a collaborative approach to solving problems and driving results.
Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and planning skills to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt).
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $81,677.00 - $112,306.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
**?
A job that shapes a life.?
Corning offers you the total package.?**
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
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 reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at.
Nearest Major Market: Hickory
