Early Stage Development Engineer

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 85,304 - 117,293; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Pension plan

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Corning Incorporated seeks an Early‑Stage Development Engineer to design, build, and operate lab‑scale testbeds that answer critical questions before industrial design. You’ll work hands‑on with laser processing, adhesive bonding, precision dispensing, optical alignment, and more to deliver go/no‑go evidence for Corning's scalable systems.

The role requires a BS or MS in a technical field with 2–4 years of experience, strong fundamentals in mechanics and circuits, and proficiency in Python or

Qualifications

• BS in a technical field with 2–4 years of relevant experience; MS with internships/research (0–2 years).
• Strong fundamentals in engineering mechanics and basic electrical circuits.
• Hands-on lab experience with tools, alignment fixtures, electronics, prototypes.
• Ability to write scripts for data acquisition or motion control (Python, MATLAB).
• Demonstrated ability to reason from first principles and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Frame and prioritize early technical questions with technology leads and process engineers.
• Design and build lab-scale testbeds integrating mechanical, electrical, motion, sensing, and controls elements.
• Run structured experiments (DOE, DMAIC) to characterize processes and generate evidence for go/no-go decisions.
• Develop knowledge of material transformation physics to inform design choices.
• Produce technical documentation to support reviews, specifications, and IP capture.
• Identify scaling, throughput, and safety considerations early for eventual production.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Lab hardware

DOE methods

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics/EE/Physics

Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

SolidWorks

DAQ hardware

Job description

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. We break through limitations and expectations—and help move our company and the world forward. At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at‑home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines.

Role Purpose

As an Early‑Stage Development Engineer, you design, build, and personally operate the lab‑scale testbeds that answer the hardest technical questions before any industrial system is designed. Working hands‑on with material transformation technologies—laser processing, adhesive bonding, precision dispensing, optical alignment, and beyond—you deliver the go/no‑go technical evidence that shapes what Corning builds at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with technology leads and automation process engineers to frame and prioritize the technical questions that must be answered at the earliest stage of development.
• Design and build lab‑scale apparatus and testbeds—integrating mechanical, electrical, motion, sensing, vision, and controls elements—to explore and validate candidate process approaches.
• Run structured experiments (Design of Experiments, DMAIC, hypothesis‑driven testing) to characterize processes, define process windows, and generate statistical evidence supporting go/no‑go decisions.
• Develop working knowledge of the underlying material transformation physics to make sound design decisions and communicate results clearly to cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Produce clear technical documentation—concepts, designs, results, assumptions, and risks—to support design reviews, downstream system specification, and IP capture.
• Identify scaling, throughput, and safety considerations early to ensure testbeds have clear line‑of‑sight to the eventual production system.

Experiences / Education – Required

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field with 2–4 years of relevant experience; or MS with relevant internships or research experience (0–2 years).
• Strong fundamentals in engineering mechanics and basic electrical circuits.
• Hands‑on proficiency in a lab environment—working with tools, alignment fixtures, basic electronics, and prototype hardware.
• Ability to write scripts or programs for data acquisition or motion control (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and aptitude to learn new tools quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to reason from first principles and draw sound engineering conclusions from limited data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation, diagrams, and design reviews.

Experiences / Education – Desired

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a relevant technical discipline.
• Hands‑on exposure to laser processing, adhesive bonding, precision dispensing, optical alignment, or similar material transformation technologies; basic optics or opto‑mechanics knowledge is a plus.
• Mechanical design experience in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience with motion control, machine vision, or sensor integration.
• Experience using MATLAB or Python for engineering analysis, data analysis, or simulation; familiarity with structured experimentation methods (DOE, DMAIC, or Six Sigma equivalents).
• Understanding of tolerancing, alignment sensitivity, repeatability, and mechanical error budget concepts; prior experience building benchtop prototypes or lab apparatus in a university, internship, or work setting.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Compensation

The range for this position is $85,304.00 – $117,293.00 assuming full‑time status. Starting pay is dependent on geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives aligned with key business results.
• 100% company‑paid pension benefit with mandatory contributions that grow with your career; 401(k) mandating up to 12% from employer contributions.
• Health and wellbeing benefits—medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family‑building support, fitness, mandatory life insurance, disability, disease management programs, mandatory paid time off, mandatory Employee Assistance Program.
• Mandatory employee recognition program to acknowledge outstanding contributions.

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 [e-mail].