Manager, Automation Systems Design

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 156,314 - 214,933; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and well-being benefits

100% company-paid pension benefit

Recognition program for exceptional contributions

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, North Carolina is seeking a Manager in Systems Design to lead the development of innovative manufacturing equipment. You will manage a multidisciplinary team focused on prototypes, collaborating closely to ensure exceptional design and safety standards.

This role requires a solid engineering background, with proficiency in mechanical design and team leadership. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving. A generous benefits package is offered, including retirement contributions and health options.

Qualifications

• 10 years experience with BS or 7 years with MS.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Experience with innovation and design technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of engineers in prototype development.
• Work with business leaders to understand equipment needs.
• Lead technical teams on projects and document designs.

Skills

Mechanical design and detailing

Leading technical teams

3D CAD proficiency

Strong written communication

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field

MS in a relevant discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Overview

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. Our Optical Communications segment has evolved to provide industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry. The segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network.

Role Purpose

As a manager in systems design, you will oversee the design and development of next generation of manufacturing equipment—from full scale automated systems to benchtop and lab scale equipment. You’ll work in a collaborative, multi disciplinary team to develop concepts, build prototypes, and deliver safe, reliable, and innovative equipment for manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a team of mechanical and mechatronics engineers focused on development of prototypes, ensuring sound engineering rigor and industrial scalability.
• Work with business leaders and end-users to understand needs for new equipment across varying scales, including benchtop systems, semi automated stations and fully automated cells.
• Develop project technical strategies.
• Lead one or more technical teams on projects.
• Generate, evaluate, and select concepts based on engineering principles.
• Collaboratively design, build and test prototypes and subsystems to validate concepts, integrating mechanical, electrical, motion, vision, and software components into cohesive systems.
• Communicate through presentations and design reviews.
• Provide expertise to the team responsible for building and deploying industrialized versions of the new technology into manufacturing.
• Be a model for safe work practices, ensuring a safe environment for colleagues.
• Document novel designs and intellectual property.
• Travel up to 25%, typically in concentrated periods every 1–2 years.

Experiences/Education — Required

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field (10 years’ experience), or MS (7 years’ experience).
• Supervisory experience required.
• Experience in leading technical teams.
• Mechanical design and detailing experience using 3D CAD.
• Experience in innovation, design and new technologies.
• Enjoy working with diverse team members to collect, align, and communicate requirements and design approaches.
• Some knowledge of industrial controls.
• Strong written communication skills, including documentation and diagrams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Experiences/Education — Desired

• MS degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with SolidWorks.
• Some training in object oriented programming, especially in a language like C++, C#, Java, or Rust.
• Experience with machine vision, motion control, or vision guided motion.
• Electrical or electronics design experience.
• Basic optics knowledge (e.g. photography or laser systems).
• Experience with MATLAB and Python.

Additional Information

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

The range for this position is $156,314.00 - $214,933.00 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.

• 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.
• 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).
• Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional 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].