Equipment Technician Lead

Corning Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Equipment Lead Technician at Corning in Phoenix oversees maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of solar manufacturing equipment to ensure reliable production. You will lead a technical team, coordinate with engineering and operations, and drive continuous improvement in equipment performance.

You should have 5+ years in industrial maintenance, strong PLC, electrical and mechanical skills, and be willing to work extended shifts, nights, weekends, and on-call as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in equipment maintenance within manufacturing, solar or semiconductor preferred.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and automation systems.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting, robotics, and automated manufacturing is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance team in troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing solar manufacturing equipment.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and enhance equipment lifespan.
• Assist in installation, commissioning, and qualification of new production equipment.
• Monitor and analyze equipment performance data to recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve issues and improve process efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, policies, and standards.
• Train and mentor junior technicians on maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

PLC troubleshooting

Robotics

Reading schematics

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certification in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance

Tools

PLCs

Robotics systems

Automation equipment

Job description

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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.

The Equipment Lead Technician is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of manufacturing equipment used in solar panel production. This role ensures the efficient operation of production machinery, leads maintenance teams, and works closely with engineering and operations teams to improve equipment reliability and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the maintenance team in troubleshooting, repairing, and optimizing solar manufacturing equipment.
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and enhance equipment lifespan.
• Assist in the installation, commissioning, and qualification of new production equipment.
• Monitor and analyze equipment performance data to recommend improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve technical issues and improve process efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Train and mentor junior technicians on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.
• Maintain accurate documentation of equipment repairs, maintenance schedules, and performance logs.
• Identify spare parts requirements and coordinate with procurement for timely availability.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production quality and efficiency.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or technical certification in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in equipment maintenance within a manufacturing environment, preferably in solar or semiconductor industries.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and automation systems.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting, robotics, and automated manufacturing systems is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call shifts if required.

Working conditions:

• 12-hour standard shift; Able to work extended hours as needed
• Occasional exposure to sources of heat, cold, and noise
• Must wear protective equipment while at the location
• Required to work on weekends and holidays per assigned shift
• May require occasional exposure to harmful chemicals depending on assigned area (this is related to the EHS audit finding that job descriptions have to say they may be exposed to harmful chemicals – solder area technicians have occasional exposure to flux with proper PPE)

Physical requirements:

• Requires prolonged standing, walking, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, and climbing to a significant degree
• Heavy Work-Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, in order to communicate to employees/visitors as well as function safely around equipment
• Must be able to perform all job functions which include, but may not be limited to, pushing, turning, and/or pulling of equipment and components

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $35.00hourly rate -$38.00 hourly rate. 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, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
• 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.
• Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

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 ofrace, 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] .