Mechanical Project Lead

Corning Inc.; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 81,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Inc. in Wilmington, NC seeks a Mechanical Project Engineer to provide hands‑on engineering support for equipment construction, installation, debugging, and startup at domestic and international sites.

You will oversee internal teams and contractors during installation, emphasizing safety, quality, and IP protection. Travel 75% typical; requires a Mechanical Engineering degree and 2–7 years in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2–7 years of manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on use of mechanical tools and measurement equipment.
• Strong teamwork, adaptability, and safety commitment.
• Ability to interpret engineering requirements and translate into equipment designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute project plans with emphasis on safety, quality, and IP protection.
• Improve mechanical installation practices to boost efficiency and reduce timelines.
• Troubleshoot on-site and provide direction to technicians.
• Train personnel on installation methods and equipment modifications.
• Manage materials procurement, tracking, expediting, and documentation.

Skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Safety conscious

Engineering interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

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.

Requisition Number: 75671The 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 Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry. This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to provide hands‑on engineering support for equipment construction, installation, debugging, and startup at both domestic and international locations. This role plays a key part in overseeing internal teams and contract personnel during installation and conversion projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution.

• Wilmington, NC or Concord, NC

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute project plans with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and protection of intellectual property.
• Improve mechanical installation practices to enhance efficiency and reduce timelines.
• Perform hands‑on troubleshooting and provide direction to technicians.
• Train personnel on installation methods, procedures, and equipment modifications.
• Ensure required materials to support project execution including redesign, procurement, tracking, expediting and documentation.

Required Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• At least 2 - 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Skilled in hands‑on work with mechanical tools and measurement equipment.
• Strong teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to safety.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems, piping/P&IDs, drive trains, and pneumatic/electromechanical actuators. Ability to interpret engineering requirements and translate them into equipment designs and schematics.

Desired Skills

• Experience using AutoCAD®, Inventor, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Project.
• Background in manufacturing or construction environments.
• Strong communication, presentation, and project management capabilities.
• Experience in optical fiber manufacturing is a plus.

Travel Requirements

• 75% - Typical travel can range from a few days to a few weeks during the project initiation phase. During the deployment phase of the project, travel may be full‑time.
• Travel will be required to Corning Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacturing sites in North Carolina and potentially international.

Hours of Work/Work Schedule

• 40 hours+ M-F, adjusted hours and weekends may be required based on where the project is in the project life cycle.
• This position overtime exempt.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $80,984 - $129,678 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, 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.

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].