Sr. Prototyping Engineer

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. With our people breaking through limitations and expectations every day, we help move the company and the world forward. At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact — connecting the unconnected, driving the future of automobiles, transforming at‑home entertainment, ensuring delivery of lifesaving medicines, and more. The Optical Communications segment has evolved into a comprehensive provider of industry‑leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry, split into carrier network and enterprise network product groups.

Purpose: The Senior Prototyping Engineer designs, builds, and coordinates prototypes for optical connectivity solutions used in fiber optic networks. This hands‑on role supports a low‑volume, development‑oriented prototype line and works closely with technicians, engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, customers, and external suppliers. The engineer translates product and customer needs into practical prototype designs, materials, tooling, assembly processes, and build plans; supports fiber optic connector and cable assembly development, process improvement, technical troubleshooting, and transfer of mature solutions to Technology Teams or manufacturing operations. Projects may support any Corning division, customer opportunity, or R&D initiative. The role develops and leverages internal and external networks of product experts, suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, cable assembly houses, and tooling providers.

Travel Requirements: Up to 15% on average depending on the project requirements. Includes international travel.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers, global manufacturing teams, Market Development, Product Line Managers, engineers, technicians, lab managers, suppliers, and supply chain to design, build and deliver prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks
• Develop prototype designs, build plans, bills of materials, work instructions, process documentation, acceptance criteria, schedules, and capture prototype results, customer feedback, technical risks, and potentially patentable ideas
• Develop and improve processes for fiber optic components; including technical execution of fiber optic connector, cable assembly, and optical connectivity prototype builds and process‑development trials
• Coordinate materials, tooling, fabrication, equipment, supplier activity, and prototype delivery timelines
• Design, specify, and improve fixtures, tooling, equipment, and workstations, and train technicians on new or revised processes, tools, equipment, and documentation, to support quality, safety, ergonomics, and process consistency
• Analyze prototype build, inspection, test, yield, and defect data; lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions, and assess design‑for‑manufacturability, assembly, testability, and reliability, providing feedback to product and technology teams, supporting technology transfer or initial process implementation
• Maintain compliance with safety, ESD, cleanliness, quality, and controlled‑document requirements

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science
• 5+ years of experience in a development or experimental laboratory and/or manufacturing environment working with electrical/mechanical assembly and testing, with demonstrated mechanical aptitude and structured problem‑sol