Engineering Department Head

Corning•Winston-Salem, NC

8d•$147,927 - $203,400

About The Position

Lead a diverse team of engineers and technicians in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on product quality, safety, new technology deployment, manufacturing capacity, and cost reduction. Develop and deploy technical talent that solves problems using MIE, MEE, and DMAIC methodologies, building and institutionalizing advanced understanding of the optical fiber cable (OFC) cabling process. The role provides daily supervision and prioritizes engineering support for cable manufacturing operations to maximize performance, minimize manufacturing costs, and ensure customer support. It helps establish department objectives, priorities, and resource allocation; develops team capability and deep process knowledge; collaborates with Development on technology and intellectual property; applies engineering and operational processes rigorously; and develops equipment and process strategies. The role also sponsors or leads strategic projects involving cost reduction, new products, safety, quality, and capacity. The work schedule is Monday through Friday. Periodic off-hours leadership support is required because the role manages 24/7 technicians. On-call coverage follows a rotating schedule with other department leaders. Travel is minimal, less than 5%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or another Engineering discipline.
At least 2 years of functional leadership and project management experience, with evidence of progressively increased responsibility in manufacturing and product innovation, demonstrated manufacturing experience, strong data analysis skills, and experience with Six Sigma methodology.
At least 4 years of documented manufacturing-environment experience.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, coach and develop people, and engage and manage stakeholders at all relevant organizational levels.
At least 2 years of experience using data and statistical analysis tools, such as Power BI.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or another Engineering discipline.
Working knowledge of material sciences, particularly polymer extrusion principles.
Six Sigma/DMAIC Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Knowledge of fiber-optic properties and critical parameters, including factors that affect them.
Project management experience.
Experience with SQL or other programming languages.

Responsibilities

Provide daily supervision and prioritize support for cable manufacturing operations to maximize performance, minimize manufacturing costs, and ensure superior customer support.
Participate in establishing department objectives, priorities, and resource allocation based on business priorities and conditions.
Set expectations for the team to develop fundamental understanding and deep process knowledge; coach and provide feedback; and drive teams to apply and institutionalize learnings in manufacturing and engineering systems.
Engage with Development to maintain awareness of technology in R&D and externally; champion creativity, innovation, and risk-taking; and support the protection and generation of intellectual property.
Ensure rigorous use of processes and methods, including innovation, process excellence, project management, and safety and environmental practices; participate in plant safety initiatives and encourage full team participation.
Use DMAIC, Six Sigma, MEE, MIE, and KT tools to solve problems, develop engineering strategy, deliver on plans, and manage department and project budgets and forecasts.
Develop short- and long-term equipment and process strategies concerning equipment and software life cycles and continuous improvement, including systems to monitor equipment and process performance.
Sponsor or lead projects focused on cost reduction, new products, safety, quality, increased capacity, and other strategic initiatives.

Benefits

Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives.
100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions.
Matching contributions to a 401(k) savings plan; total company contributions to retirement accounts can reach 7% to 12% of pay, depending on age and years of service.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Paid parental leave and family-building support.
Fitness benefits.
Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits.
Disease management programs.
Paid time off.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Recognition program that celebrates successes and rewards exceptional contributions.