Materials engineer Jobs in Tempe, AZ

Requisition Number: 75040

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Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.

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Our Solar business delivers industry leading, U.S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, leveraging our leadership in advanced manufacturing to serve growing energy demand. You will be a part of advancing critical U.S. supply chains and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to customers.

Role Purpose

In this role, the Material Engineer will support material, process, and manufacturing performance within plant operations by improving process capability, enhancing product quality, and investigating material and process-related issues. The role also contributes to the implementation of new materials and manufacturing technologies while working cross-functionally with operations, quality, engineering, and product development teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure products consistently meet customer and internal performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and release of new materials, taking technical ownership while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure quality and seamless production integration.
• Collaborate with vendors to clearly communicate material requirements and ensure readiness to meet quality and delivery expectations.
• Lead and support process improvement trials and manufacturing studies to identify root causes of variation, defects, and process upsets.
• Apply statistical and data analysis methods to evaluate process performance, reduce yield loss, and improve efficiency.
• Investigate material-related defects, nonconformances, and failure mechanisms; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate material properties and process capability to ensure alignment with product specifications and customer requirements.
• Support finished product quality through inspection methods, testing, data analysis, and process control improvements.
• Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to implement sustainable process and performance improvements.
• Provide technical support for plant operations related to material selection, process conditions, and performance issues.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project updates to stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.

Qualifications - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Over two years of experience in materials, process, or manufacturing engineering in an industrial environment.
• Experience in manufacturing with responsibility for process improvement, quality, or material performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making ability.
• Experience with root cause analysis, defect investigation, and corrective action implementation.
• Working knowledge of material properties and their impact on manufacturing processes and product performance.
• Experience designing, executing, and documenting experiments, trials, or validation activities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Experience in panel manufacturing, composites, glass, ceramics, metals, or engineered materials.
• Familiarity with statistical tools and methods (SPC, DOE, Minitab, or similar).
• Experience with process control, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of failure analysis and material characterization techniques.
• Project management experience supporting manufacturing or process improvements.

Key Skills

• Materials analysis & application
• Manufacturing process support
• Root cause analysis
• Statistical analysis & data interpretation
• Process optimization
• Defect characterization
• Technical documentation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Continuous improvement
• Problem-solving & decision-making

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $67,150.00 - $92,331.00 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.

A job that shapes a life.

Corning offers you the total package.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
• As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

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.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.