Equipment Engineer

Jobtome; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning is seeking an Equipment Engineer to support manufacturing equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement within our Solar Modular operation. This role provides hands‑on engineering support for manufacturing equipment, including troubleshooting, equipment improvements, preventive maintenance strategies, and implementation of new or modified equipment.

The Equipment Engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, Quality, and other technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience in equipment engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, or automation.
• Ability to apply engineering principles to equipment problems.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, or controls systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven approach.
• Ability to read technical manuals, schematics, or diagrams.
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day engineering support for manufacturing equipment and related systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and performance issues using data and documentation.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for downtime and quality issues.
• Monitor equipment performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Operations, Process Engineering and Quality teams to improve reliability.
• Develop and implement equipment improvements focused on safety, reliability, and cost.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Participate in installation, start-up, qualification, and optimization of equipment.
• Assist in identifying inventory needs for spare parts and consumables.
• Document specifications, troubleshooting guides, and drawings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Documentation literacy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Robotics

Automation systems

Job description

Requisition Number: 79372 The company built on breakthroughs. Join us. 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. How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They 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. And so much more. Come break through with us. 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

Corning is seeking an Equipment Engineer to support manufacturing equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement within our Solar Modular operation. This role provides hands‑on engineering support for manufacturing equipment, including troubleshooting, equipment improvements, preventive maintenance strategies, and implementation of new or modified equipment. The Equipment Engineer will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, Quality, and other technical teams to identify equipment issues, improve reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and support safe and efficient manufacturing operations. This role provides an opportunity for an early‑career engineer to develop strong equipment and manufacturing expertise in a fast‑paced production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day engineering support for manufacturing equipment and related systems.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and performance issues using data, technical documentation, and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Support root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment‑related downtime, quality issues, and recurring equipment failures.
• Monitor equipment performance and reliability data to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Maintenance, Operations, Process Engineering, Quality, and other technical teams to improve equipment reliability, availability, and manufacturing performance.
• Develop and implement equipment improvements focused on safety, reliability, quality, capacity, cost, and reduction of unplanned downtime.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies and assist in identifying opportunities to improve maintenance effectiveness.
• Participate in the installation, start‑up, qualification, and optimization of new or modified manufacturing equipment.
• Support equipment modifications, upgrades, and continuous improvement projects from development through implementation.
• Work with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to troubleshoot technical issues, identify improvement opportunities, and support equipment modifications.
• Support spare‑parts and equipment‑consumables strategies by identifying critical components, reviewing usage, and providing technical input on appropriate inventory needs.
• Develop and maintain equipment documentation, specifications, troubleshooting guides, drawings, and other technical information.
• Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies such as DMAIC, 5 Why, 8D, root‑cause analysis, or similar methods to equipment‑related issues.
• Support manufacturing‑floor 5S, equipment standardization, and continuous improvement activities.
• Share technical knowledge and lessons learned with technicians, engineers, and manufacturing team members.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure engineering activities and equipment modifications comply with established safety and manufacturing requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or another related engineering or technical discipline.
• Relevant hands‑on experience through employment, internships, or co‑ops in equipment engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, automation, or another related technical environment.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and ability to apply engineering principles to equipment and manufacturing problems.
• Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, automation, or controls systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to use data to support technical decisions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation such as equipment manuals, schematics, drawings, specifications, or diagrams.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and other cross‑functional partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively in a hands‑on manufacturing environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Internship, co‑op, or other experience in a manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, or industrial environment.
• Experience in solar module, wafer, semiconductor, glass, or other technically complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, sensors, motion‑control systems, or other industrial automation technologies.
• Familiarity with mechanical design, electrical systems, circuit design, controls, or programming.
• Experience with equipment troubleshooting, maintenance, reliability, or continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, 5 Why, 8D, or other structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, qualification, start‑up, or manufacturing ramp‑up.
• Familiarity with preventive and predictive maintenance principles.
• Experience analyzing equipment performance, downtime, or reliability data.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or related continuous improvement training.

Work Schedule

Core work hours are generally Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be required to support equipment troubleshooting, installations, start‑ups, trials, and other production needs outside normal working hours. This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $81,104.00 - $121,757.00 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 [e-mail]?subject=Corning%20Accommodations .