Precision Design Engineer

Corning, Inc.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

401(k) match

Health/dental/vision

Job summary

Corning, Inc. in the United States seeks a Precision Machine Design Engineer to help develop precision machine systems from concept to manufacturing.

You will work with senior engineers, researchers, manufacturing teams, trades, and suppliers to create practical machine solutions and document design results. The role emphasizes 3D CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, design reviews, and prototyping with on‑site responsibilities in the Hickory area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Entry-level to 2 years of relevant engineering experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, manufacturing engineering, or related area; co-op, internship, or project experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience applying mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic projects, internships, co-op assignments, research, or professional work.
• Foundational knowledge of statics, dynamics, materials, machine elements, tolerances, and basic measurement principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for research and manufacturing applications.
• Translate product and process needs into mechanical requirements, concepts, layouts, models, and drawings with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, bills of materials, and design documentation per standards.
• Perform basic engineering calculations and tolerance analyses for fits, stack-ups, loads, deflection, stiffness, and thermal effects.
• Select and specify standard mechanical components (bearings, linear guides, motors, sensors, fasteners, etc.).
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback on safety, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and performance.
• Develop and test proof‑of‑concept prototypes using laboratory and shop resources.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to obtain parts and support assembly and installation.

Skills

Mechanical fundamentals

CAD software

Problem solving

Drawing interpretation

Tolerance analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Vault

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 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

The Precision Machine Design Engineer will support the development of precision machine systems and components for applications ranging from proof-of-concept prototypes to plant-floor manufacturing equipment. Working with guidance from senior engineers, this role will contribute to concept development, detailed mechanical design, drawing creation, tolerance analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation, and implementation.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced engineers, researchers, manufacturing teams, skilled trades, and external suppliers to develop practical machine solutions for technical applications. The position provides structured opportunities to build technical capability in precision engineering principles, machine design, metrology, design documentation, and system integration while taking on increasing responsibility as experience grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for research, development, and manufacturing applications.
• Translate defined product and process needs into mechanical requirements, design concepts, layouts, models, and drawings with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, detailed drawings, bills of material, and supporting design documentation in accordance with established standards.
• Perform basic engineering calculations and tolerance analyses involving fits, stack-ups, loads, deflection, stiffness, thermal effects, motion, and component sizing.
• Select and specify standard mechanical components such as bearings, linear guides, ball screws, motors, couplings, sensors, fasteners, and structural elements with appropriate technical review.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback related to safety, manufacturability, assembly, cost, reliability, maintainability, and machine performance.
• Develop and test proof-of-concept prototypes using internal laboratory, machine-shop, and measurement resources.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal trades personnel to obtain parts, resolve fabrication questions, and support assembly and installation activities.
• Assist with machine setup, debugging, qualification, and implementation in manufacturing or laboratory environments.
• Execute defined test plans, collect and organize data, compare results with requirements, and document findings.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of mechanical and system-level issues, escalating complex concerns when appropriate.
• Communicate progress, risks, and technical results clearly to project team members and maintain accurate engineering records.

Travel Requirements

• Estimated travel:10%–25%, depending on project needs.
• Travel may be required for equipment installation, startup support, supplier visits, and interaction with internal customers.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Entry-level to 2 years of relevant engineering experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, manufacturing engineering, or a related area; relevant co-op, internship, research, or project experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience applying mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic projects, internships, co-op assignments, research, or professional work.

Required Skills

• Foundational experience designing mechanical components, fixtures, tooling, or equipment through academic, internship, research, or professional work.
• Working knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, materials, machine elements, manufacturing processes, fits, tolerances, and basic measurement principles.
• Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings and apply dimensioning and tolerancing practices.
• Experience using CAD software; experience with SolidWorks and Vault is preferred.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations, organize technical information, and use data to support design decisions.
• Ability to learn new tools and technical concepts, seek guidance when needed, and incorporate feedback into design work.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Internship, co-op, research, senior-design, or professional experience involving machine design, automation equipment, precision mechanisms, tooling, or fixturing.
• Exposure to geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance stack-ups, design for manufacturability and assembly, or finite element analysis.
• Exposure to precision measurement tools such as laser trackers, accelerometers, autocollimators, precision levels, indicators, or coordinate measurement systems.
• Familiarity with motion components, motors, encoders, sensors, instrumentation, data‑acquisition systems, or LabVIEW-based measurement setups.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, laboratory testing, fabrication, machine assembly, or equipment debugging.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a hands‑on development environment with changing priorities and evolving technical requirements.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $68,243.00-$93,835.00 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 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] .