Sr. Prototyping 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. This segment is divided into two main product groups: carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group focuses on optical-based communications infrastructure for video, data, and voice communications, while the enterprise network product group serves businesses, governments, and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Project and Design engineer focused on designing, building, or coordinating prototypes for optical connectivity solutions for fiber optic networks.
• Develop knowledge of materials, fundamentals of optical network connectorization including cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable.
• Work closely with other engineers, technicians, and supply chain to design and build prototypes to develop product solutions.
• Deliver prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations for higher volume production.
• Create and leverage a large network of suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and cable assembly houses to design, build, and deliver prototypes.
• Projects could support any Corning division or research and development opportunities.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers, 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.
• Coordinate design details, material procurement, fabrication timelines, and delivery of prototypes with internal and external resources.
• Support project teams and define prototype design objectives and timelines.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts to identify key processing technologies and determine feasibility.
• Engage global manufacturing plants to capture manufacturability of proposed solutions and support initial implementation of new process technologies.
• Collaborate with internal and external equipment and tooling designers to establish functional requirements.
• Capture and deliver new ideas for patent submission.
• Ensure that requirements are properly developed and documented in conjunction with appropriate manufacturing, development, and commercial personnel.
• Work with manufacturing engineering to develop and implement process documentation for each project as needed.
• Lead and collect feedback to iterate and drive adoption.
• Maintain and improve a safe work environment.
• Work with colleagues to find creative solutions to building prototypes.
• Build and leverage networks of Product Experts to assist with prototype designs.
• Build and leverage networks of fabrication capabilities both internally and externally.
• Listen to customers for understanding of problems, ideas, and feedback on potential solutions.
• Document requests and solutions.

Required Education

A BS in Engineering or Project Management or 10+ years of equivalent experience in a development role.

Required Years and Area of Experience

3-5 years of experience in a development or experimental laboratory environment working with electrical/mechanical assembly and testing.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated problem solving techniques.
• Demonstrated, applied mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to clearly express technical ideas.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate effectively to internal and external customers and within multi-national groups.
• Ability to work in technical project teams in a team member role.
• Desire to learn and develop personal and organizational knowledge.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint).
• Design products or manufacturing processes using CAD (ProE / CREO Skills a Must).

Desired Skills

• Ability to interpret and generate drawings and schematics.
• Familiar with fiber optic theory.
• Project management experience and demonstrated application of project management tools.
• Proactively collaborates throughout an organization and drives technical culture.
• Experience with discrete assembly processing.
• Experience developing processes and parameters.
• Collaboration with internal and external designers.

Soft Skills

• Personal initiative and commitment to success.
• Organized with good planning and time management skills.
• Ability to build relationships within cross-functional groups; team building skills.
• Positive attitude, flexible, and good work ethic.