Sr. Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Prototyping Engineer

Company: Corning

Location: Hickory, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Manufacturing / Operations

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on the design, development, and fabrication of prototypes for advanced optical connectivity solutions, a critical function within Corning's Optical Communications segment.

• It requires a strong understanding of materials science, optical network connectorization, and fiber optic cable assembly to translate conceptual designs into tangible, functional prototypes.

• The position involves extensive cross-functional collaboration with engineers, technicians, supply chain specialists, and external vendors to manage the end-to-end prototyping process, from initial design to delivery for further development or manufacturing.

• The Sr. Prototyping Engineer will play a key role in driving innovation and product development by creating and leveraging a robust network of suppliers and fabrication capabilities, both internal and external, to support diverse project needs across Corning divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." in the title, combined with the 3-5 years of experience requirement, suggests a mid-level role with significant technical responsibility and potential for leadership within prototyping projects, rather than an entry-level or purely junior position. The emphasis on "design, build, or coordinate prototypes" indicates a hands-on and managerial aspect to the role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and Develop Prototypes: Conceptualize, design, and coordinate the building of prototypes for optical connectivity solutions, ensuring alignment with product requirements and technical specifications.

• Material and Component Expertise: Develop and apply knowledge of materials, optical network connectorization principles, cable/connector interactions, optical hardware, and fiber optic cable to inform prototype design and fabrication.

• Cross-Functional Project Management: Collaborate closely with internal engineering teams (including Technology Teams), Market Development, Product Line Managers, and technicians to define project objectives, timelines, and deliverables for prototype development.

• Supplier and Vendor Network Management: Leverage and expand a network of suppliers, fabrication shops, contract manufacturers, and Cable Assembly Houses to source materials, manage fabrication processes, and ensure timely delivery of prototypes.

• Design for Manufacturability: Engage with global manufacturing plants and internal/external equipment designers to assess manufacturability of proposed solutions, capture key processing technologies, and support the initial implementation of new process technologies.

• Technical Documentation and Reporting: Document prototype requests, designs, solutions, and process requirements, collaborating with manufacturing engineering to develop and implement process documentation as needed for each project.

• Innovation and Intellectual Property: Identify and capture new ideas for patent submission, contributing to Corning's intellectual property portfolio.

• Problem Solving and Iteration: Work with colleagues and product experts to find creative solutions for prototype challenges, and collect feedback to iterate on designs and drive adoption of new solutions.

• Safety and Compliance: Maintain and promote a safe work environment in compliance with company policies and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design, project coordination, and external relationship management. The need to "deliver prototype design to Technology Teams for further development and testing or to manufacturing operations" highlights the role's critical position in the product development lifecycle, bridging R&D and production.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, Optical) or Project Management.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in a development or experimental laboratory environment.

• Demonstrated experience with electrical/mechanical assembly and testing.

Required Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Must have demonstrated skills in CAD software, specifically ProE / CREO.

• Problem Solving: Proven ability to apply effective problem-solving techniques to technical challenges.

• Mechanical Aptitude: Strong, applied mechanical aptitude for understanding and manipulating physical components and systems.

• Technical Communication: Ability to clearly articulate complex technical ideas, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

• Multitasking: Capacity to manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or timelines.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external customers, and multi-national teams.

• Teamwork: Ability to function effectively as a team member within technical project teams.

• Learning Agility: A strong desire to learn and continuously develop personal and organizational knowledge.

• Software Proficiency: Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint).

Preferred Skills:

• Optical Fiber Theory: Familiarity with the fundamental principles of fiber optics.

• Technical Drawings: Ability to interpret and generate technical drawings and schematics.

• Project Management: Experience in project management and demonstrated application of project management tools.

• Process Development: Experience in developing manufacturing processes and parameters.

• Discrete Assembly: Experience with discrete assembly processing techniques.

• Collaboration & Influence: Proactively collaborates throughout an organization and drives technical culture.

• Supplier Engagement: Experience collaborating with internal and external equipment and tooling designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "ProE / CREO Skills a Must" is a critical technical qualification. The distinction between required and desired skills highlights areas where candidates can differentiate themselves. The "Soft Skills" section further elaborates on interpersonal and professional attributes crucial for success in this collaborative, project-driven role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Projects: Showcase examples of CAD designs for components or assemblies, ideally related to optical or mechanical systems, demonstrating proficiency in ProE/CREO.

• Prototype Development Case Studies: Present 1-2 detailed case studies of prototypes designed, built, or coordinated. Highlight the problem addressed, the design process, materials used, fabrication challenges, and the final outcome or learnings.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Include instances where novel solutions were developed for technical challenges encountered during design or prototyping, illustrating your problem-solving techniques.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrate how you have effectively collaborated with engineers, technicians, supply chain, and external vendors on projects, showcasing communication and coordination skills.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing or contributing to the design of workflows for prototype development, including material procurement, fabrication scheduling, and testing phases.

• Process Implementation: Examples of documenting and implementing processes for prototype fabrication or testing, as may be required for project handover or knowledge transfer.

• Performance Metrics (if applicable): While not explicitly stated, demonstrating how you tracked progress or success for a prototype project (e.g., adherence to timeline, cost, functional validation) would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a prototyping role, a portfolio is less about data analysis or system implementation (as in RevOps/SalesOps) and more about tangible design work, problem-solving in a physical/engineering context, and project execution. The focus should be on demonstrating design skills, technical problem-solving, and the ability to bring concepts to life.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $95,759.00 - $131,669.00 annually.

Benefits:

• Financial Well-being:

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives tied to business performance.
  • 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that increase with tenure.
  • Matching contributions to a 401(k) savings plan, with total company contributions to retirement accounts potentially reaching 7-12% of pay (depending on age and service).

• Health & Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid parental leave and family-building support.
  • Fitness benefits.
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability insurance.
  • Disease management programs.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal support.

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Recognition: Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typical for a full-time engineering role. Flexibility may be required based on project demands, especially given the 25-50% travel requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and should be used as the primary reference. The detailed benefits package, including the pension plan and 401(k) matching, is a significant component of Corning's total compensation and should be highlighted to candidates. The travel percentage is also a key factor for a candidate's work-life consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Materials Science, Technology, Manufacturing (specifically Optical Communications). Corning is a global leader in glass, ceramics, and optical fiber technologies, with a strong emphasis on innovation and R&D.

Company Size: Large (Corning is a Fortune 500 company with tens of thousands of employees globally). This implies significant resources, established processes, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: 1851. A long history of innovation and stability, suggesting a culture that values long-term growth and technological advancement.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: The role sits within the Optical Communications segment, likely within an engineering or R&D department focused on product development and prototyping.

• Reporting Structure: The Sr. Prototyping Engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Director responsible for product development or advanced technologies within the Optical Communications division.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect to work closely with a broad range of departments including R&D, Product Management, Market Development, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, and potentially external partners.

Methodology:

• Innovation Focus: Corning's culture is built on "breakthroughs." Expect an environment that encourages experimentation, learning from failures, and pushing technological boundaries.

• Data-Informed Design: While prototyping is hands-on, decisions will likely be informed by performance data, customer feedback, and feasibility assessments.

• Process Optimization: There's an emphasis on not just creating prototypes but also ensuring they can be manufactured, implying a need for process development and collaboration with manufacturing engineers.

Company Website: https://www.corning.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Corning's emphasis on innovation and its long history suggest a culture that supports long-term technical development and employee growth. The "Optical Communications" segment is a significant part of the company, indicating a focus on advanced network infrastructure technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" level engineering role focused on prototyping. It signifies a mid-career professional with specialized technical skills and the ability to manage complex projects independently or lead small teams in prototype development. The role demands a blend of design, technical execution, and project coordination expertise.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Director. They will be expected to work autonomously on assigned projects and collaborate effectively with peers and stakeholders across various departments and potentially external organizations.

Operations Impact: The Sr. Prototyping Engineer's work directly impacts Corning's ability to innovate and bring new optical connectivity solutions to market. Successful prototypes are crucial for validating new technologies, gathering customer feedback, and enabling the transition to high-volume manufacturing, ultimately driving revenue growth and market leadership for the Optical Communications segment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in optical fiber technology, materials science, advanced prototyping techniques, and specific CAD/design tools.

• Project Leadership: Transition into roles managing larger, more complex prototyping projects or leading specialized engineering teams.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Gain broader experience across the entire product development lifecycle, from ideation and R&D to manufacturing and market launch.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles in R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Management, or even supply chain management within Corning.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior engineers and technicians involved in prototyping activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title implies a career path beyond this role, likely involving increased project scope, team leadership, or deeper technical specialization within Corning's R&D or product development functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the engineer to work from Corning's facilities in Hickory, NC. The environment will likely include office space for design work and collaboration, as well as access to laboratory and/or workshop areas for prototype building and testing.

Office Location(s): Hickory, North Carolina. This location is part of Corning's significant presence in the region, particularly for its Optical Communications division.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect shared office environments, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated project spaces designed for team collaboration, crucial for working with engineers, technicians, and product managers.

• Laboratory Access: Essential access to R&D labs, experimental test equipment, and fabrication facilities (internal or external) for hands-on prototype development and testing.

• Tools and Technology: Access to high-end workstations for CAD software (ProE/CREO), standard office software (MS Office), and potentially specialized simulation or analysis tools.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of prototyping and project deadlines may necessitate occasional overtime or flexible scheduling, especially given the travel requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role, coupled with the travel percentage, suggests a hybrid approach where the primary base is the Hickory facility, but significant time will be spent off-site for project needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter screens applications for minimum qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Likely involves interviews with hiring managers and senior engineers. Expect discussions on your experience with CAD (ProE/CREO), mechanical aptitude, problem-solving approaches, and familiarity with optical concepts. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your resume or portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, technical challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions assessing your teamwork, communication skills, ability to handle multiple projects, adaptability, and alignment with Corning's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or director to confirm fit and discuss career growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Prototyping: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to design, build, and test prototypes. Highlight your role and contributions.

• Showcase ProE/CREO Skills: Include visual examples of your CAD work – models, assemblies, drawings. Explain your design choices and any complex features you implemented.

• Tell a Story: For each project, outline the problem, your approach, the technical execution, challenges faced, how you overcame them, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible (e.g., reduced assembly time, improved performance metric).

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Highlight instances where you had to think creatively to solve a design or fabrication hurdle.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention the impact of your prototypes – e.g., leading to product launch, validating a new technology, improving efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Puzzles/Scenarios: Be prepared for potential hypothetical engineering problems related to mechanical design, materials, or optical principles.

• CAD Exercises: While not always given, some companies might present a simple design task or ask you to interpret a complex CAD model.

• Process Walkthrough: You might be asked to describe how you would approach prototyping a specific type of optical component or system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on ProE/CREO and the hands-on nature of prototyping means a strong visual portfolio showcasing design work and project execution will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: ProE / CREO (Mandatory).

• 3D Modeling & Design: Tools for creating detailed part and assembly models, generating technical drawings.

• MS Office Suite: Excel for data tracking/analysis, Word for documentation, Project for scheduling, PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this prototyping role, but understanding how prototypes feed into the broader product lifecycle and business processes is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of ProE/CREO is the most critical technical requirement. The role is tool-centric on design software, not on the typical CRM/automation stacks found in RevOps/SalesOps.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Breakthroughs: A core value at Corning, encouraging employees to push boundaries and seek novel solutions. Expect an environment that rewards creativity and technical exploration.

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in design, execution, and product quality, reflecting Corning's reputation for reliability.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve complex goals.

• Integrity: Adherence to ethical standards and a commitment to doing business responsibly.

• Customer Focus: Understanding and responding to customer needs, particularly in translating their requirements into effective prototype solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Project-Based Teams: Work will be organized around specific projects, requiring close collaboration with engineers, technicians, and potentially external partners.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and working together to solve problems.

• Knowledge Sharing: Expect a willingness to share expertise, particularly regarding design techniques, material properties, and fabrication processes, to foster collective learning and project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Corning's stated values emphasize innovation and collaboration, which are directly relevant to a prototyping role that bridges R&D and practical application.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast-paced nature of prototyping demands quick turnaround times and the ability to adapt designs based on testing feedback, which can be demanding.

• Bridging Design and Manufacturing: Translating innovative designs into solutions that are feasible and cost-effective for mass production is a constant challenge.

• Managing External Dependencies: Relying on a network of diverse suppliers and fabrication shops requires strong coordination and risk management to ensure quality and timely delivery.

• Technical Complexity: Working with advanced materials and optical technologies requires continuous learning and staying abreast of industry developments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Deepen expertise in ProE/CREO, materials science, optical physics, and specialized fabrication techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and market trends in the optical communications industry.

• Project Management Skills: Develop and refine project management capabilities through hands-on experience leading prototype development efforts.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Build a comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle and how different functions (R&D, manufacturing, marketing) contribute to success.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and potentially mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to prototyping and product development, offering significant learning opportunities for ambitious engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your typical process for designing a new component or prototype from concept to a functional build." (Be ready to walk through your portfolio examples).

• Technical Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a time you encountered a significant technical challenge during a design or prototyping project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology and technical aptitude).

• CAD & Tools: "How have you used ProE/CREO to solve a specific design challenge? What are some of its advanced features you leverage?" (Be prepared to discuss specific functionalities).

• Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with external suppliers or manufacturing teams to get a prototype built. What were the key challenges and how did you manage them?" (Highlight communication and relationship management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Corning and our work in optical communications?" (Research Corning's recent innovations and market position).

• "How do you stay current with new materials, technologies, and design tools in your field?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your ProE/CREO skills, problem-solving abilities, and direct experience with prototyping.

• Visual Aids: Use clear CAD renderings, photos of prototypes, and simple diagrams. Avoid overly complex slides.

• Focus on Your Contribution: Clearly define your role and specific contributions to each project.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact or success of your prototypes.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and challenges faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily focus on demonstrating practical engineering skills, particularly CAD proficiency, and the ability to execute on design and prototyping projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Corning Careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that highlights your most relevant ProE/CREO designs, prototyping projects, and technical problem-solving examples. Tailor it to showcase skills mentioned in the job description, such as optical connectivity solutions or mechanical assembly.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with CAD (specifically ProE/CREO), mechanical/electrical assembly, testing, and any project management responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaborative experiences. Prepare to present specific projects from your portfolio and discuss your understanding of optical fiber principles.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Corning's Optical Communications segment, its products, recent innovations, and its company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.