Materials Development Engineer

About the role

The Optical Communications segment of Corning is evolving from a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware, and equipment to a comprehensive provider of optical solutions across the broader communications industry. This segment is divided into two main product groups: carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group focuses on products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for video, data, and voice communications. The enterprise network product group provides optical-based communication networks to businesses, governments, and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to enhance understanding of products and processes and provide inventive solutions for new development efforts.
• Apply scientific and engineering understanding to research and development problems, ideas, and projects.
• Participate in project teams, providing fundamental understanding and development support for polymer materials.
• Interface with suppliers and procurement to test and evaluate new materials, analytical equipment, and services. Work with suppliers to resolve materials issues and maintain supplier relationships.
• Lead and support materials-focused development work for short and long-term R&D goals.
• Balance hands-on work with technical leadership activities.
• Collaborate with research and manufacturing functions throughout the product development cycle.
• Make assignments to technicians.
• Communicate and document results.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in material science, engineering, or chemistry required (0-2 years)
• Master's degree is a plus (0-1 years)
• Experience with thermoplastic polymers / polymer compounds
• Relevant experience in product development or product testing
• Ability to develop new test methods for in-depth product characterization
• Ability to apply fundamental understanding & scientific principles to solve technical problems and identify product solutions
• Ability to document work and write reports in clear English that can convey technical investigation findings
• Ability to formulate testing protocols for desired material properties, starting with basic analytic capabilities (FTIR, TGA, DSC, …)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Sharepoint)

Qualifications

• Knowledge of engineering thermoplastics (also high temperature), silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers and epoxy compounds
• Basic knowledge in sealing, encapsulation, and physical support of materials for product development
• Basic knowledge of injection molding and/or extrusion
• Structure-property knowledge of engineering thermoplastics and elastomers
• Hands-on experience with polymer characterization methods such as rheology, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA, SEM, and mechanical testing; understanding or experience with optical testing a plus
• Experiences with the evaluation of product lifetime
• International work experience

Skills

• Ability to work within a multicultural team environment
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work independently
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to mentor other engineers and train others on primary knowledge base
• Enthusiasm, collaboration, and innovative spirit

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
• Health and well-being benefits including 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)
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions