Lean Engineer

Corning • Newton, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Corning is seeking a Lean Engineer for its Newton, North Carolina manufacturing facility. The role identifies and eliminates waste using Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. The Lean Engineer leads cross-functional improvement efforts, facilitates Kaizen events, and drives measurable improvements in process efficiency, capacity, and standardization. The position supports Corning’s Optical Communications segment, which provides optical-based communications products and solutions for carrier and enterprise networks.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional additional hours to support project delivery. Travel is less than 10%. This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts and their practical application in a production environment.
• Understanding of basic manufacturing systems and production processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong skills in Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience retrieving and analyzing data from relational databases.

Nice To Haves

• Experience facilitating cross-functional Lean workshops, Kaizen and SMED events, or structured improvement projects.
• Experience managing improvement projects from scope definition through implementation.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Lean Manufacturing subject matter expert and lead interdepartmental efforts to identify waste and implement continuous improvement solutions.
• Analyze work processes and develop, document, and communicate standardized best practices across the plant.
• Plan and facilitate SMED and Kaizen events, 5S initiatives, and improvement workshops; drive standardization across production processes.
• Provide input to plant capacity and process throughput analysis using time studies and direct observation.
• Manage structured improvement projects using company-endorsed project management and problem-solving methodologies.
• Support production teams on process flow issues and participate in equipment improvement initiatives.
• Administer the plant employee suggestion program and support engagement and follow-through on submitted ideas.
• Use value stream mapping to identify waste, improve material and information flow, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

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 between 7% and 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 to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level