Lean Engineer

Location: Wilmington
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Corning is vital to progress – in the industries we help shape and in the world we share. We invent life-changing technologies using materials science. Our scientific and manufacturing expertise, boundless curiosity, and commitment to purposeful invention place us at the center of the way the world interacts, works, learns, and lives. Our sustained investment in research, development, and invention means we’re always ready to solve the toughest challenges alongside our customers. 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: Responsible for driving both foundational and transformational competencies within the Lean Organization and across the manufacturing plant. These competencies include but are not limited to Value Steam Mapping, Visual Management, Work Standardization, Gemba Engagement, Kanban, SMED, 5S, Pull Systems, etc. With these core competencies, this role will partner with Operations and the Lean Manufacturing Supervisor to improve plant performance in Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Morale, and Innovation. The intent of this role is to decrease overall manufacturing cost, increase operational efficiencies, and drive waste from the production processes in conjunction with the strategy of the Lean Organization. Day to Day Responsibilities: Directly responsible for performing work in a safe manner and maintaining a safe work environment. This individual will be responsible for observing safe work practices and being proactive at reporting and fixing any unsafe conditions. Continuously developing lean skills individually, as a part of the Lean Organization, and within the plant as a whole. This individual will work to become a trained lean facilitator, able to facilitate Kaizen events at the plant directly linked to both the foundational and transformational competencies. Planning and facilitating 3-4 Kaizen events per year. This could include workshops focused on Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, SMED, 5S etc. with oversight and help from the Lean Organization. This individual will be responsible for the follow-up after each event to ensure actions identified are being deployed across the site. Tracking cost savings per each Kaizen event and working with the appropriate resources to quantify and ultimately realize lean cost savings. This will require partnership with both Engineering and Finance in order to complete. Supporting the site’s 5S program in conjunction with participation in routine Gemba performance audits with leadership. Owning one of the plant’s Value Stream Maps including both current state and future state upkeep, including routine reviews within the Lean Organization and cross-functionally with plant resources. Planning and implementing workplace flow/layout improvements in addition to analyzing new equipment installations, existing equipment movements, and equipment modifications in accordance with lean teachings and methodologies. Participating in engineering design reviews for new technology and existing modifications to equipment. Additionally being an active member of the ergonomics team in order to assist in assessments and provide lean feedback relative to workstation changes. Identifying and horizontally deploying benchmark opportunities at the division level and across the sister sites in partnership with the Lean Manufacturing Supervisor. Travel expected from this is less than 10% in order to facilitate best practice migration. Travel Requirements: Required Education: BS Degree (Industrial Engineering Strongly Preferred) Required Years and Area of Experience: 2 to 5 Years of Lean Engineering Experience Required Skills: Demonstrated progressive roles in lean manufacturing coupled with the ability to articulate real lean tool application with demonstrated results. Ability to support the Lean Organization’s vision and strategy, in order to promote culture change while acting as an agent of change for lean thinking and methodologies. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) with ability to present ideas, opinions, and data to gain understanding consensus, and support. Knowledge of manufacturing methods, systems, and production processes. Process/results oriented with organizational and attention-to-detail abilities. This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $81,553.00 - $112,136.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO. Corning Puts YOU First! We are committed to supporting your health, financial, career development, and life goals as you grow professionally and personally to achieve your highest potential. All benefits begin as soon as you start your career at Corning. Our monetary peer-to-peer recognition program is tied to our Values and celebrates you and your colleagues’ contributions. Health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, mental health/substance use, fitness, and disease management programs. Financial benefits include a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows steadily throughout your career. Companywide bonus and attractive short- and long-term compensation programs are available based on your role and responsibilities. Professional development programs help you grow and achieve your career goals. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Keywords: , Greenville , Lean Engineer, Engineering , Wilmington, North Carolina