Lead Automation & Process Development Technician

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

Pension plan (100% company-paid)

401(k) with company match

Health benefits

Parental leave

Family building support

Fitness program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid time off

Recognition program

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, NC seeks an experienced Lead Technician to support automation development programs and pilot equipment. You will execute experiments, document results, and collaborate with engineering to accelerate learning and maintain process standards.

Travel up to 10% may be required; the role involves mentoring other technicians and ensuring safe operations in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility for extended hours supports critical milestones.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in a relevant technical field.
• 1+ years in development, pilot, automation, manufacturing, or experimental environment.
• Experience operating or supporting mechanical, electrical, or automated equipment.
• Ability to document results and follow procedures with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support pilot, prototype, and development automation equipment across OCS Technology programs.
• Execute experiments, process trials, development builds, and DOE activities with engineering.
• Support equipment startup, debugging, and ramp-readiness activities.
• Assist with FAT/SAT activities, vendor trials, and equipment validation as needed.
• Collect and communicate experimental data, observations, and technical results.
• Develop and maintain standard work and process documentation.
• Identify issues and support structured problem solving to improve process capability.
• Collaborate with engineers, maintenance, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues.
• Provide training and day-to-day guidance to operators/technicians.
• Preserve program knowledge to aid onboarding and continuity.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical

Automation equipment operation

Experiment execution

Data collection & documentation

Procedures & standard work

Structured problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Multi-priority management

MS Office, general computer skills

Education

Associate degree / technical certification

Job description

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, NC seeks an experienced Lead Technician to support automation development programs and pilot equipment. You will execute experiments, document results, and collaborate with engineering to accelerate learning and maintain process standards.

Travel up to 10% may be required; the role involves mentoring other technicians and ensuring safe operations in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility for extended hours supports critical milestones.