Precision Machine Design Engineer

Corning Inc.; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonuses

401(k) plan with company match

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Parental leave

Life insurance

Employee wellness program

Job summary

Corning is seeking a Precision Machine Design Engineer to develop precision machine systems for prototype tools and plant-floor equipment. You will contribute to concept generation, detailed mechanical design, tolerance analysis, and implementation with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams.

You will collaborate with Research, Development, and Manufacturing to create robust solutions, test prototypes, select materials, and document design decisions, while growing depth in metrology and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in machine design, equipment development, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with precision machinery and component design is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision machine systems and components for R&D and manufacturing.
• Translate product needs into detailed mechanical designs and specs.
• Apply tolerance analysis, stiffness, and thermal behavior to improve performance.
• Use CAD tools to create and refine mechanical designs with cross-functional teams.
• Support material selection and supplier collaboration for machine components.

Skills

Precision machine design

CAD (SolidWorks)

Tolerance analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Mechanical fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks/Vault

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: 76604. 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.

Scope of Position

The Precision Machine Design Engineer will contribute to the development of precision machine systems and components for applications ranging from prototype tools to plant‑floor manufacturing equipment. This role will support concept generation, detailed mechanical design, tolerance analysis, machine specification development, prototyping, testing, and implementation. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced engineers, researchers, manufacturing teams, and external suppliers to develop practical and robust machine solutions for challenging technical applications. This position offers the opportunity to grow technical depth in precision engineering principles, machine design, metrology, and system integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for research, development, and manufacturing applications.
• Assist in translating product and process requirements into machine concepts, design requirements, and detailed mechanical designs.
• Apply engineering fundamentals in areas such as kinematics, stiffness, thermal behavior, vibration, and tolerance analysis to improve machine performance and robustness.
• Use CAD and engineering analysis tools to create, evaluate, and refine mechanical designs.
• Work with Research, Development, and Manufacturing teams across Corning divisions to support new product and equipment development efforts.
• Support material selection and mechanical design decisions based on application requirements and expected machine performance.
• Develop and test proof‑of‑concept prototypes using internal lab resources and equipment.
• Work with suppliers and internal trades personnel to specify, procure, assemble, and install machine components and systems.
• Assist with machine setup, debugging, qualification, and implementation in manufacturing or laboratory environments.
• Support performance testing and data collection activities to evaluate machine behavior and verify design requirements.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis of mechanical and system‑level issues.
• Contribute to documentation such as design specifications, drawings, test plans, and engineering reports.

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 or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, or manufacturing engineering.
• 2+ experience working on mechanical systems, precision components, or automated equipment in an engineering or manufacturing environment.

Required Skills

• Basic to intermediate experience in mechanical design of equipment, fixtures, or machine systems.
• Understanding of engineering principles related to precision machinery, including tolerance analysis, machine stiffness, motion systems, and measurement fundamentals.
• Familiarity with specifying and selecting mechanical components such as linear guides, bearings, ball screws, motors, encoders, and structural elements.
• Ability to analyze technical requirements and support the development of practical mechanical design solutions.
• Experience using CAD software (SolidWorks/Vault) and engineering analysis tools to support design development.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Exposure to precision measurement tools such as test indicators, interferometers, laser trackers, accelerometers, autocollimators, or precision levels.
• Familiarity with metrology concepts, data analysis, and engineering standards.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, lab testing, or machine debugging.
• Exposure to instrumentation, sensors, DAQ systems, or LabVIEW‑based measurement setups.
• Ability to work in a development environment with changing priorities and evolving technical requirements.

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].