Mechatronics Engineer: Lab Automation Innovator

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 85,304 - 117,293; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, NC, seeks a Mechatronics Engineer for an early-stage development team. You will build and test lab-scale setups for laser processing, adhesive bonding, precision dispensing, and optical alignment, iterating on prototype hardware to prove new concepts.

You will work with scientists and process engineers to translate ideas into scalable manufacturing knowledge, while applying DOE, FMEA, and thorough data analysis to guide decisions and support IP opportunities.

Qualifications

• BS with 2–4 years of experience or MS with 0–2 years plus internship/research.
• Strong fundamentals in engineering mechanics and electrical circuits.
• Programming in Python, MATLAB, C++, C#, or similar languages.
• Hands-on lab experience with hand tools, alignment fixtures, basic electronics, and prototype hardware.
• Strong written communication and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and test benchtop and lab-scale experimental setups integrating mechanical, electrical, motion, vision, sensing, and software elements.
• Plan and execute experiments to characterize process windows and establish proof of concept for new technologies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using DOE, hypothesis testing, and FMEA.
• Document methods, results, and conclusions to support reviews and specifications; identify IP opportunities.
• Collaborate with scientists, process engineers, and business stakeholders to translate concepts into scalable process knowledge.
• Model safe work practices and contribute to a lab culture of safety.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

C#

Lab experience

Technical writing

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering|Mechatronics|Computer Engineering|Electrical Engineering|Physics|Optical Engineering|related field

MS in a related discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Machine vision

Motion control

PCB layout / schematic capture

Vision-guided motion systems

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: 76613

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 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 Purpose

Corning is seeking a Mechatronics Engineer to join our early-stage development team and help invent the next generation of automated manufacturing processes. In this hands-on contributor role, you'll spend most of your time in the lab — building experimental setups, running experiments, and iterating on prototype hardware to prove out new process concepts in areas such as laser processing, adhesive bonding, precision dispensing, and optical alignment. If you love building things, are curious about the physics of material transformation, and want to grow deep technical expertise in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment, this role is built for you.

Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and test benchtop and lab-scale experimental setups integrating mechanical, electrical, motion, vision, sensing, and software elements to enable process characterization and concept validation.
• Plan and execute experiments to characterize process windows, identify critical variables, and establish proof of concept for new manufacturing technologies; iterate quickly between build, test, and analysis.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using structured methods — including design of experiments (DOE), hypothesis-driven testing, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) — to guide design decisions and process refinement.
• Document experimental methods, results, and conclusions to support technical reviews and downstream system specification; identify intellectual property opportunities in partnership with senior engineers.
• Collaborate with scientists, process engineers, and business stakeholders to translate early-stage concepts into scalable process knowledge ready for manufacturing transfer.
• Model safe work practices and contribute to a culture of safety in the lab environment.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field with 2–4 years of relevant experience; OR MS in a related discipline with 0–2 years of experience plus relevant internship or research experience.
• Strong fundamentals in engineering mechanics and electrical circuits, applied through coursework, internships, or early-career work.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C++, C#, or similar languages, with the ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Demonstrated hands-on lab experience with hand tools, alignment fixtures, basic electronics, and prototype hardware.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear technical documentation and diagrams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for analysis, documentation, and technical reviews.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS) in a relevant technical discipline.
• Mechanical design experience in SolidWorks or equivalent computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Experience with machine vision, motion control, or vision-guided motion systems.
• Electrical or electronics design experience (schematic capture, basic printed circuit board (PCB) layout, instrumentation wiring).
• Basic optics knowledge (e.g., photography, microscopy, or laser systems).
• Training in object-oriented programming, particularly C++, C#, Java, or Rust.
• Experience with MATLAB and Python for data analysis and lab-grade scripting.
• Familiarity with structured experimentation methods such as DOE, Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC), or FMEA through coursework, internships, or research.
• Internship, co-op, or research experience in laser processing, adhesive bonding, precision dispensing, optical alignment, automation, or advanced manufacturing.
  
  

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $85,304.00 - $117,293.00 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, 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 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] .