Solutions Innovation Engineer

Corning • Charlotte, NC

25d • $100,646 - $138,388

About The Position

Corning Optical Communications is seeking a Solutions Innovation Engineer to drive differentiated solution development for the Hyperscale Data Center market. The role engages directly with customers to identify unmet needs and guides concepts from early prototyping through commercialization, advancing Corning's optical innovation leadership.

The position serves as the primary point of contact and subject-matter expert for Data Center solutions and innovations, working across customer-facing and internal teams to validate concepts, communicate technical findings, quantify solution value, and support customer adoption. The position is based in Charlotte, NC and Hickory, NC, requires 40 hours per week, and involves up to 50% domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing prototypes to validate solution concepts and confirm value propositions.
• Project management experience, including planning, executing, and delivering innovation projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable communications for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to engage customers to understand their needs and develop market-relevant solutions.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Technology, Legal, and Sales to deliver innovation solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in the hyperscale data center, optical networking, or fiber connectivity market.
• Familiarity with different optical architectures and emerging interconnect technologies.
• Experience supporting intellectual property filings or patent documentation.

Responsibilities

• Research customer challenges in the data center market through direct engagement, field interactions, and industry events.
• Collaborate with Prototyping and Engineering teams on solution ideation and rapid prototype development to gather early customer feedback.
• Gather, report, and present technical findings to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Drive engineering studies that quantify solution value propositions and support customer adoption.
• Support intellectual property protection, including patents and related filings, in collaboration with legal teams.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and subject-matter expert for Data Center solutions and innovations.

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 retirement contributions 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