Lead Automation Process Technician

Corning•Hickory, NC

5d•$49,191 - $67,638•Onsite

About The Position

The company built on breakthroughs. Join us. 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. How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. Come break through with us. 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. Scope of Position: Lead technician role responsible for supporting OCS Technology automation and process development programs through hands-on operation of pilot and development equipment, execution of process trials, equipment debugging, and capture of standard work. This position provides stable technical and operational support across current automation programs. The role partners closely with engineering teams to accelerate learning cycles, improve process repeatability, protect program milestones, and preserve operational knowledge. As a lead position, this role also helps strengthen continuity, support onboarding and training, and reinforce standard work across development activities.

Requirements

1+ years of experience in a development, pilot, automation, manufacturing, or experimental technical environment.
Experience operating, troubleshooting, or supporting mechanical, electrical, or automated equipment.
Experience working in cross-functional teams supporting process development, equipment development, or manufacturing readiness.
Strong hands-on mechanical and technical aptitude.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot automated, semi-automated, or development equipment.
Experience executing experiments, collecting data, and documenting results.
Ability to follow and develop procedures, standard work, and technical documentation.
Strong structured problem-solving skills.
Ability to work closely with engineering teams in a fast-paced development environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift support based on business needs.
General computer skills including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to make sound decisions using practical judgment and technical understanding.
Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Self-motivated with high personal initiative.
Organized with strong planning and time-management skills.
Collaborative and effective across cross-functional teams.
Positive attitude, flexibility, and strong work ethic.
Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and technical challenges.

Nice To Haves

Experience with DOE, validation, process characterization, or development testing.
Experience supporting automation equipment startup, debug, qualification, or ramp.
Experience training operators or technicians.
Familiarity with optical fiber, connector, or related advanced manufacturing processes.
Experience working with vendor equipment or external partners during development and qualification.
Experience in pilot-line, NPI, or process industrialization environments.

Responsibilities

Operate and support pilot, prototype, and development automation equipment across OCS Technology programs.
Execute experiments, process trials, development builds, and DOE activities in partnership with engineering.
Support equipment startup, debugging, troubleshooting, qualification, and ramp-readiness activities.
Assist with FAT/SAT activities, vendor trials, and equipment validation as needed.
Collect, document, and communicate experimental data, observations, and technical results.
Develop, capture, and maintain standard work, operating procedures, and process documentation.
Identify process issues and support structured problem solving to improve process capability, stability, and repeatability.
Partner with engineers, maintenance, and other cross-functional teams to resolve equipment and process issues.
Provide training and day-to-day guidance to operators or technicians supporting automation development activities.
Preserve and transfer program knowledge to reduce disruption from turnover and improve onboarding speed.
Support flexible deployment across automation programs based on business priorities.
Help enable extended-hour support when required to protect critical development and commercialization milestones.
Maintain a safe work environment and follow all applicable safety and operating procedures.
Serve as a lead technician for assigned automation platforms and development activities.
Provide hands-on guidance, informal mentorship, and technical direction for other technicians and operators.
Reinforce documentation discipline, standard work adherence, and execution consistency.
Help coordinate daily support priorities with engineering to ensure alignment to program milestones.
Support onboarding and cross-training of new operator and technician resources.
Act as a continuity anchor for program knowledge, equipment familiarity, and operating practices.