Process Engineer
Corning · Hickory, NC
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Base pay
- $85k–$117k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at Corning (industrial) in Hickory, NC. Provide day-to-day problem-solving support to production operations.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Six Sigma, DMAIC, Minitab, Extrusion
- Base pay
- $85k–$117k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Process Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $88k–$120k. This one lists $85k–$117k.
Median of the low and high ends of 23 live postings that list pay, out of 49 process engineer openings in North Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
North Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 48 other live process postings in North Carolina.
- Base pay
- About 10% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $93k–$131k, from 22 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Root cause 43%
- ✓ Six Sigma 43%
- Lean 27%
- SPC 24%
- Team leadership 24%
- FDA / GMP 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Corning
We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Christopher → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Corning in Hickory
17 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in process roles at Corning.
- Automation Process Engineer · Controls
- Operations Engineer · Production
- Sr. Controls Engineer · Controls · Senior
- Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
- Sr. Process Engineer · Process · Senior
- Laser Process Engineer · Process
Process Engineer at Corning in other locations
Corning lists this title in 5 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
- Durham, NC · $71k–$97k
- Corning, NY · $103k–$141k
- Canton, NY · $114k–$157k
- Painted Post, NY · $97k–$134k
Full description from CorningAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Provide day-to-day problem-solving support to production operations
- ◆Analyze data to understand process capability and monitor process trends to drive continued manufacturing excellence
- ◆Identify process improvement and cost reduction projects based on analysis of process data. The individual is expected to utilize the scientific method to develop, test, and prove hypotheses.
- ◆Prepare cost justifications and capital requests for any new equipment purchases that may be required to achieve project goals.
- ◆Interface with operators, team leaders and peers to develop and implement process, equipment, or safety improvements into manufacturing.
- ◆Oversee all aspects of bringing new equipment into production, including preparation of financial justification, designing, specifying, purchasing, as well as tracking all spending related to the project. Develop maintenance and operator training documentation, conducting equipment qualification and initial training of production personnel, and making provisions for repair parts stocking levels. Formally document all aspects of the project
- ◆Support the transfer of new cabling technology, materials, or processes from development to production. Provide processing support during product development, develop plans as to how the equipment/processes will be employed into production and ensure that the new technology is repeatable in a production environment prior to transfer. Ensure all production and maintenance documentation is completed such as MI's, SOP's, PM's, and calibration.
Travel
Requirements
- ✓Less than 10%
Required Education
- ✓Bachelor of Science in Engineering or other technical field
Required Years and Area of Desired
- ✓2-5 years’ experience in manufacturing environment preferred
Required Skills
- ✓Creative/innovative problem solving
- ✓Strong technical fundamentals with process engineering skills
- ✓Able to collaborate across organizational boundaries and integrate solutions
- ✓Results oriented and high commitment
- ✓The ability to learn new technology and processes quickly
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Requisition Number: 78058
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.
Scope of Position
Apply knowledge of engineering principles and practices to effectively accomplish technical assignments and projects. Makes decisions independently based upon sound engineering and scientific methods. Actively participates within and beyond department boundaries to resolve important process and product issues. Enhance manufacturing capabilities through the implementation of new ideas and methods. Independently execute projects to fulfill department goals and objectives.
Hours of work/work schedule/flextime
- •8am - 5pm, support off shift as needed
- •On-call rotation required (1 week, every 1-2 months)
Desired Skills
- +Experience with Statistical packages such as Minitab
- +Skill with Structured Problem Solving such as DMAIC or PDCA
- +Knowledge of plastic extrusion technologies, Cabling processes and equipment, and/or UV Curable technologies
- +Six Sigma Greenbelt or equivalent experience
- +Project Management including Cost Estimation, Project Planning, and Execution
- +Inventor or another 3D program experience.
Soft Skills
- •Can establish a broad network across the engineering and technology organizations
- •Good verbal/written communication and presentation skills
- •Interpersonal skills – engaging, enabling, open
- •Planning and organization
- •Effective in managing multiple priorities
- •Can give and receive coaching to/from peers and Technicians
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $84,932.00 - $116,782.00 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.
- •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 o
