CNC Lead

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. Our people break through limitations and expectations daily, helping move our company—and the world—forward. At Corning, you can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines.

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets with trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, enhance connected devices, carry information at the speed of light, deliver richer experiences, drive cleaner and safer transportation, and enable low-cost solar energy solutions.

About the role

The CNC Machining Lead supports daily machining operations by coordinating operator assignments, monitoring production priorities, maintaining schedule flow, and ensuring work is completed safely, accurately, and in alignment with quality and SOP requirements. This role works closely with CNC operators, cell leads, Production Control, Quality, Maintenance, and the Supervisor to keep production moving and resolve issues in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Schedule operators on machines and coordinate daily work assignments with cell leads.
• Ensure hot jobs and priority work orders are actively being worked according to schedule needs.
• Partner with Production Control on schedule changes, job releases, material needs, and priority updates.
• Create maintenance work orders when equipment issues or repair needs are identified.
• Verify programs are downloaded and available in the system before work begins.
• Review finished jobs, routers, and operator sign-offs for accuracy and completion.
• Review closed jobs in outgoing Work in Progress areas to confirm proper documentation, sign-offs, and completion status.
• Review suspect parts with the Quality Auditor and support containment, documentation, or escalation as needed.
• Process daily emails, provide timely replies, and communicate production updates to appropriate stakeholders.
• Complete the Daily CNC Report and update the production schedule with daily metrics as needed.
• Process production metrics when needed and support accurate reporting of output, efficiency, and schedule progress.
• Attend daily production meetings and communicate key updates, barriers, and support needs.
• Perform quarterly department safety audits and help drive corrective actions when gaps are identified.
• Maintain department inventory of oils, supplies, and related production support materials.
• Monitor the team for policy, safety, quality, and SOP adherence.
• Communicate concerns, barriers, staffing needs, equipment issues, and other items requiring additional support to the Supervisor.

Leadership Expectations

• Serve as a first point of support for CNC operators during the shift.
• Promote a safe, organized, and productive work environment.
• Set a positive example by following company policies, procedures, and standard work.
• Support training, coaching, and knowledge-sharing with team members as needed.
• Escalate issues appropriately and communicate clearly with the Supervisor and support teams.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, routers, work orders, production flow, and shop floor expectations.
• Ability to read and follow drawings, procedures, routers, inspection requirements, and production documentation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate across operators, leads, supervisors, Quality, Maintenance, and Production Control.
• Ability to prioritize work, adjust to changing production needs, and support multiple machines or work centers.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to review schedules, respond to emails, enter or update metrics, and complete required reports.

Qualifications

• 15+ years machining experience (preferred).
• Previous experience in a lead, trainer, or informal leadership role (preferred).
• Experience supporting production metrics, daily reports, schedule updates, and work center performance tracking (preferred).
• Experience troubleshooting machining, tooling, documentation, or process-related issues (preferred).
• Familiarity with maintenance work order systems, production control processes, and quality escalation procedures (preferred).

Work Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing environment and requires regular time on the shop floor. The CNC Machining Lead may be required to stand, walk, communicate with operators and support teams, review production documentation, and respond to changing production priorities throughout the shift.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Pay

The range for this position is $28.75–$34.88 per hour. 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

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