Precision Machine Design Supervisor

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 143,473 - 197,276; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

401(k) matching contributions

Health and well-being benefits

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, NC is seeking a Precision Machine Design Supervisor to lead a team of engineers and machinists, developing precision machine systems for R&D and manufacturing. You will drive key technical decisions, mentor a high-performing team, and deliver machine solutions impacting product development and manufacturing performance across Corning’s divisions.

If you thrive at the intersection of engineering leadership and hands-on problem-solving, this role offers growth,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, or manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years leading projects, mentoring engineers, or supervising technical teams.
• 5+ years understanding of precision machinery principles including tolerance analysis, machine stiffness, motion systems, thermal effects, and vibration.
• 5+ years experience specifying and selecting mechanical components such as linear guides, bearings, ball screws, motors, encoders, and structural elements.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks) and engineering analysis tools

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for R&D and manufacturing applications
• Supervise and develop engineers in translating product and process requirements into machine concepts, engineering specifications, and detailed mechanical designs
• Provide technical leadership in kinematics, stiffness, thermal behavior, vibration, and tolerance analysis to drive machine performance and reliability
• Oversee prototype development, supplier coordination, machine debugging, and equipment implementation in lab and manufacturing environments
• Manage project priorities, team resource allocation, and schedules; ensure complete and accurate technical documentation across all active programs

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring engineers

Mechanical design principles

Tolerance analysis

Motion systems

Vibration analysis

Thermal effects

Engineering problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Engineering analysis tools

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: 76605

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 Precision Machine Design Supervisor to lead a team of engineers and machinists developing precision machine systems and components across research, development, and manufacturing applications. In this role, you will drive key technical decisions, mentor a high-performing team, and deliver machine solutions that directly impact product development and manufacturing performance across Corning’s business divisions. If you thrive at the intersection of engineering leadership and hands-on technical problem-solving, this is a role worth exploring.

Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for R&D and manufacturing applications
• Supervise and develop engineers in translating product and process requirements into machine concepts, engineering specifications, and detailed mechanical designs
• Provide technical leadership in kinematics, stiffness, thermal behavior, vibration, and tolerance analysis to drive machine performance and reliability
• Oversee prototype development, supplier coordination, machine debugging, and equipment implementation in lab and manufacturing environments
• Manage project priorities, team resource allocation, and schedules; ensure complete and accurate technical documentation across all active programs

Travel

Estimated travel: 10–25%, depending on project needs. Travel may include equipment installation, startup support, supplier visits, and engagement with internal teams at other Corning locations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, or manufacturing engineering
• 5+ years demonstrated experience leading projects, mentoring engineers, or supervising technical teams in an engineering or manufacturing environment
• 5+ years understanding of precision machinery principles including tolerance analysis, machine stiffness, motion systems, thermal effects, and vibration
• 5+ years experience specifying and selecting mechanical components such as linear guides, bearings, ball screws, motors, encoders, and structural elements
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks) and engineering analysis tools

Desired Qualifications

• 1–2 years of Computer Numerical Controls ( CNC) machining experience
• Experience with precision measurement instruments such as interferometers, laser trackers, accelerometers, autocollimators, test indicators, and precision levels
• Familiarity with metrology concepts, data analysis, and engineering standards
• Experience leading prototype builds, lab testing, machine debugging, and equipment implementation
• Exposure to instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition (DAQ) systems, or LabVIEW-based measurement setups

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $143,473.00 - $197,276.00 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] .