Assembly Process Technician

About the Role

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. The Assembly Process Technician supports and improves assembly operations through hands-on process execution, technical troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. This role serves as a key link between Production and Engineering, helping ensure assembly processes are stable, capable, and consistently meet quality, yield, and throughput targets. The ideal candidate brings strong technical aptitude, structured problem-solving skills, and the ability to execute and refine standardized work within a precision manufacturing environment.

Corning’s businesses accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery; damage-resistant cover glass; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions; precision glass for advanced displays; auto glass and ceramics; and solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules.

Responsibilities

• Execute and sustain established assembly processes to ensure consistent and repeatable performance.
• Serve as the first-line technical resource for assembly-related issues on the production floor.
• Monitor key process metrics, including yield, defect rates, and cycle time, and escalate performance gaps as needed.
• Support compliance with control plans, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and other process documentation.
• Diagnose and resolve assembly defects, process variation, and equipment-related issues.
• Support root cause and corrective action activities, including data collection, analysis, and implementation.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to investigate DMR/MRB issues and help drive corrective actions.
• Identify and reduce sources of scrap, rework, and process instability.
• Support engineering builds, prototype assembly, and new product introduction (NPI) activities.
• Assist in developing, refining, and validating assembly processes, fixtures, and tooling.
• Execute process trials, experiments, and capability studies to improve performance.
• Provide feedback on manufacturability, assembly challenges, and potential design gaps.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase yield, reduce cycle time, and improve product quality.
• Support Lean, Six Sigma, and process excellence initiatives aligned with site priorities.
• Contribute to the development of standard work, visual aids, and error-proofing (poka-yoke) solutions.
• Help drive process stability and repeatability in a high-mix, precision assembly environment.
• Maintain and update assembly work instructions, SOPs, and related process documentation.
• Support the development and sustainment of control plans and inspection methods.
• Ensure accurate process data capture and tracking within MES or other production systems.
• Assist in defining and standardizing best practices across assembly areas.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to improve overall process performance.
• Support operator training on new or updated processes and standardized work.
• Provide technical input during audits, process reviews, and customer visits.
• Actively promote a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree (AAS) in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field OR high school diploma/GED with 5–7+ years of relevant assembly or process experience.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing or precision assembly environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, and specifications.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Experience supporting Process Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering teams.
• Knowledge of GD&T, inspection methods, and quality systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Experience with structured problem-solving methodologies such as DMAIC, RCCA, or 8D.
• Familiarity with MES, ERP, or other digital manufacturing systems.
• Experience in optics, aerospace, or other high-precision assembly environments.

Skills

• Process-focused mindset with strong operational discipline.
• Data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement orientation.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to translate engineering intent into effective manufacturing execution.

Pay

The range for this position is $70,834.00 - $97,397.00 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.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career.
• Matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, with total contributions reaching between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• Comprehensive health and well-being benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, and family building support.
• Fitness programs, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.
• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with key business results.