HR Specialist, Solar

About the Role

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. Our Solar business delivers industry-leading, U.S.-made solar components, including hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules. This role partners with plant leadership and employees to foster a positive, high-performing work environment that reflects Corning's values and culture. The HR Specialist provides day-to-day HR support in employee relations, talent acquisition, workforce development, policy administration, and compliance with employment laws and company policies.

Responsibilities

• Deploy the hiring process for hourly workers and temporary employees.
• Educate plant leadership on union contracts and local and state employment law to ensure compliance.
• Manage and mitigate employee grievances by fostering open discussion and resolution of plant issues.
• Coach and counsel plant management on leadership and management practices to maintain a positive work environment.
• Resolve employee relations issues fairly and consistently while protecting plant operations.
• Educate employees on shared service and third-party vendor capabilities to maximize their benefits.
• Own specific HR initiatives, such as attendance tracking, training, and communications.
• Track and document employment issues (e.g., FMLA, workers compensation) for procedural and legislative compliance.
• Identify employee value proposition issues affecting turnover and collaborate on improvement actions.
• Maintain a presence on the plant floor to gauge organizational pulse.
• Implement risk management policies to ensure compliance with safety and employment laws.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Organization Development, Labor Relations, or equivalent.
• At least 2–4 years of HR experience (generalist/specialist).
• Experience in a Plant HR Specialist or Center of Excellence (COE) role.
• First-line supervision experience.
• Knowledge of employment laws and policies.
• Labor relations experience in a union environment; Corning experience preferred.
• Hiring/selection experience with union/hourly and salaried employees.
• Experience with hourly recruiting in the Corning Valley and understanding of valley movement processes.
• Experience resolving employee relations issues and conflicts.
• Manufacturing knowledge and understanding of HR’s impact in this environment.
• Experience tracking FMLA, workers compensation, and disability claims.
• Desire to maintain a presence on the factory floor.
• Experience deploying safety and training initiatives in manufacturing.

Skills

• Excellent communication and influence skills, using data to support recommendations.
• Ability and willingness to deliver difficult feedback.
• Strong presentation and meeting facilitation skills across all organizational levels.
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated, team-oriented, and able to handle multiple priorities.
• High commitment level and desire to make a positive difference.

Schedule

Standard hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional support may be required for a 24/7 plant structure.

Pay

The range for this position is $67,200 – $92,400 annually, assuming full-time status. Starting pay depends on geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with business performance.
• 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).
• Comprehensive health and well-being benefits: medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, and paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.