Staff Engineer - Thermal Process

Corning•City of Corning, NY

3d•$97,286 - $133,768

About The Position

Corning is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Thermal Process Engineer with expertise in glass melting, glass forming, ceramic firing, or high-temperature material processing. The role leads the design, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of high-temperature processes across manufacturing and development areas. It supports efficiency, quality, safety, and sustainability in production and works closely with cross-functional teams on process development and manufacturing operations. The position analyzes process data, conducts experiments and evaluations, resolves complex process and equipment issues, and develops standards and documentation for thermal operations. It also supports the introduction of new processes, materials, equipment, and operating methods; mentors operators and peers; and helps ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements. Domestic and international travel is required and may reach 75%, with frequency and duration varying according to project stage and status. The position does not support immigration sponsorship. The stated salary range is $97,286–$133,768, assuming full-time status. Starting pay depends on job-related factors including location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in glass/ceramics, materials science, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of engineering experience in thermal process environments.
Proven experience in glass melting, glass forming, ceramic firing, or high-temperature material processing.
Strong understanding of thermal dynamics, heat transfer, material science principles, process engineering principles, and manufacturing operations.
Hands-on experience with thermal equipment, including furnaces, kilns, and heat exchangers.
Demonstrated ability to analyze process data, identify root causes, and implement effective technical solutions.
Experience designing and executing experiments, trials, and process evaluations to support optimization and process improvement.
Ability to troubleshoot complex thermal process and equipment issues.
Ability to lead technical work across operators, technicians, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally; travel may be up to 75%, depending on project stage and status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in glass/ceramics, materials science, or a related engineering discipline.
Engineering project management experience.
Strong technical fundamentals in process research/engineering and materials.
Proficiency in statistics, data analysis, and design of experiments (DOE).
Experience mentoring engineers and supporting knowledge transfer within a technical team.

Responsibilities

Lead thermal process performance and continuous improvement within assigned manufacturing or development areas.
Analyze thermal process data, identify root causes, and implement solutions to improve safety, quality, yield, cost, and throughput.
Design and execute experiments, trials, and process evaluations to optimize thermal processes and support technical decisions.
Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting complex thermal process and equipment issues.
Develop and sustain process standards, control plans, operating procedures, and technical documentation for thermal operations.
Partner with operators, technicians, engineers, and cross-functional teams to implement and sustain thermal process improvements.
Drive corrective and preventive actions to improve process reliability, consistency, and performance.
Support implementation of new thermal processes, materials, equipment, and operating methods.
Monitor key performance indicators, use data to prioritize improvement opportunities, and escalate risks as needed.
Apply technical expertise in thermal processing, materials, and manufacturing methods to support business objectives.
Contribute to technical knowledge sharing, mentoring, and stronger engineering practices within the team.
Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety regulations related to high-temperature processes.
Measure and communicate performance against established objectives; review and interpret data to recommend immediate actions, long-term corrective actions, and follow-up experiments.
Document processes and mentor operators and peers on defined 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 retirement contributions can reach 7% to 12% of pay, depending on age and years of service.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Family building support.
Fitness benefits.
Company-paid life insurance.
Disability benefits.
Disease management programs.
Paid time off.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Recognition program.