Materials Development Engineer **Date:** Dec 14, 2024 **Location:** Hickory, NC, US, 28601 **Company:** Corning Requisition Number: 64451 Corning is vital to progress – in the industries we help shape and in the world we share. We invent life-changing technologies using materials science. Our scientific and manufacturing expertise, boundless curiosity, and commitment to purposeful invention place us at the center of the way the world interacts, works, learns, and lives. Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we’re always ready to solve the toughest challenges alongside our customers. Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use. **Role Purpose** Lead materials development activities related to Corning Optical Communications (COC) globally. Support active interaction with the COC Global Materials Group members as well with the materials groups based in Sullivan Park. Apply expertise and innovation in polymer science and engineering to support new product development activities and assist with existing products. Assist with polymer compound selection and evaluation for cable applications as well as passive and active hardware products for fiber optic communication systems e.g. connectors, closures, cabinets, assemblies, adhesives and seals. Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems. Also demonstrate technical leadership and innovationin the area of materials science and polymer engineering through rigorous mechanistic problem solving approaches. **Key Tasks** + Conduct research, propose experiments and analyze data to test hypotheses to enhance understanding of products and processes and to provide Corning with inventive solutions toward new development efforts + Apply sophisticated scientific or engineering understanding to research or development problems, ideas or projects + Participate in project teams, providing polymer materials fundamental understanding and development support + Interface with suppliers and procurement to test and evaluate new materials, analytical equipment and services + Work with suppliers to resolve problems with materials as well as maintain relationship with suppliers to stay abreast of new material availability + Lead and support materials-focused development work for short and long-term R&D goals + Balance hands-on work-related activities with technical leadership related activities + Collaborate with research and manufacturing functions throughout product development cycle + Make assignments to technicians + Communicate and document results **Minimum Qualifications** + Bachelors degree in material science, engineering or chemistry required + 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) **Desired Qualifications** + Masters degree + 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 **This position does not support immigration sponsorship.** The range for this position is $76,018.00 - $104,526.00 assuming full time status. 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. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO. **​Corning Puts YOU First!** We are committed to supporting your health, financial, career development, and life goals as you grow professionally and personally to achieve your highest potential. All benefits begin as soon as you start your career at Corning. + Our monetary peer-to-peer recognition program is tied to ourand celebrates you and your colleagues’ contributions. + Health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, mental health/substance use, fitness, and disease management programs. + Financial benefits include a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows steadily throughout your career. + Companywide bonus and attractive short- and long-term compensation programs are available based on your role and responsibilities. + Professional development programs help you grow and achieve your career goals. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at. **Nearest Major Market:** Hickory