Materials Engineer Jobs in North Carolina

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Date: Aug 6, 2026

Location: Wilmington, NC, US, 28405

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Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 77022

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.

Role Purpose

Develop into the subject matter expert (SME) of the raw materials used in optical fiber production to develop opportunities for cost reduction, supply assurance or better quality materials used in optical fiber and cable manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities
Understand the function of each raw material used in optical fiber manufacturing.
Develop into the subject matter expert for raw materials.
Use understanding of OFC raw material requirements to enable cost reduction, improve quality or develop a more diverse and secure supply chain.
Understand the drivers for cost and quality in the portfolio of UV curable coatings.
Supervise the Manufacturing Coating Engineer.
Lead or assist teams in resolving performance problems or quality issues.
Develop an understanding of what is required to test and implement raw materials from new suppliers, new specifications and new vendors.
Interact with Global Supply Management (GSM) on all raw material concerns.
Assist with adjustments to priorities as dictated by business conditions.
Sponsor and lead projects for cost reduction, better performance, higher quality, increased capacity or other strategic initiatives

Travel Requirements: domestic and international (~ 25%)

Experiences/Education - Required

Required Education: BS/MS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering or Chemistry. Experience with polymers a plus. Background and 10 or more years of experience or Ph.D. (same fields) with 5 or more years of manufacturing experience to understand how the raw materials interact with manufacturing equipment, fiber attributes and quality systems.

Required Years and Area of Experience:
Experience with raw materials specifications and use in a manufacturing environment
Thorough understanding of manufacturing and quality systems
Detailed understanding of chemical and fluid systems
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in data collection and analysis
Demonstrated ability to apply scientific method and engineering first principles to solve complex technical problems
Project management experience coordinating multiple interrelated tasks

Required Skills:
Makes sound technical decisions within and outside primary area of expertise
Collaborates effectively across cross-functional teams and organizational levels to advance shared project outcomes
Communicates technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Manages multiple concurrent priorities effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Experiences/Education - Desired
Experience with optical fiber and cable UV curable coatings and inks.
Polymers background
Experience in a manufacturing facility to understand data systems and quality systems.
Six Sigma/DMAIC Greenbelt or Blackbelt certification.
Project management experience.
Understanding of UV curable materials.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $112,243.00 - $154,335.00 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 accommodations@corning.com.

Nearest Major Market: Wilmington

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