Senior Automation Technician

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 70,954 - 97,562; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

Pension and 401(k) matching

Health & well-being benefits

Job summary

Corning Incorporated is seeking a technically skilled professional to perform equipment design, build, installation, and ramp-up activities. You may lead and direct P&M trades during installation, repairs, troubleshooting or upgrades, collaborating with engineers to resolve production issues and improve yields.

The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, blueprints reading, and advanced project management, with ~25–50% travel (international included).

Qualifications

• Training, apprenticeship, or certification in a technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience with technical delivery teams.
• Reads blueprints and/or drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Other technician and/or operator roles that lead to a better understanding of the equipment.
• Lean fundamentals and belt training considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Understand equipment used in key process(es) and interpret data from those processes to solve problems.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop and implement testing and integration of equipment.
• Lead front-line production workforce and technical teams to ensure safety and adherence to SOPs and regulations.
• Provide inputs to project plans, identifying resources and realistic timelines.
• Assist in equipment transportation logistics and potentially developing new processes or documentation.
• Independently solve problems based on pertinent facts.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Reads blueprints/drawings

Project management

Lean fundamentals

Yellow belt or Green belt

Leadership opportunities

Education

Technical field degree or strong Math/Science background

Job description

Overview

Corning is a leading innovator in glass, ceramic, and materials science, driving breakthroughs across industries from ocean depths to space. We offer opportunities to connect the unconnected, influence the future of transportation and home entertainment, and contribute to lifesaving medicines. Join us and break through with us.

Our Optical Communications segment has evolved from a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware, and equipment to a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry. The segment is organized into two main product groupings: carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network products focus on optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data, and voice. The enterprise network products focus on optical-based communication networks for businesses, governments, and individuals.

Role Purpose

Performs a variety of technical duties and activities, including equipment design, build, installation, and ramp-up activities, including planning and performing equipment acceptance tests. May be involved in developing experimental procedures, data collection from manufacturing processes, and data analysis to help engineers resolve production issues or improve manufacturing yields. May lead and direct P&M trades and/or contract trades personnel during equipment installation, repairs, troubleshooting or upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

• Understands equipment used in key process(es) and interprets data from process(es) to solve problems
• Works with teams focused on product innovation, cost reduction projects, etc.
• Troubleshoots process and equipment issues
• Works with engineers to develop and implement testing and integration of equipment
• Works on equipment projects to reduce costs, downtime and/or defects and increase yields
• Proactively guides front-line production workforce and technical teams to comply with safety, health, equipment standard operating procedures, and environmental regulations
• Provides inputs to project plans that identify resources and accurate timelines
• Equipment transportation logistics
• May be asked to participate in developing a new process or machine to improve the current process
• May be asked to write process, product or equipment documentation
• Independently solves most problems on basis of examining pertinent facts

Travel Requirements

Approximately 25-50% travel, international included (Mexico, Poland).

Requirements

• Training/ apprenticeship/ certification in technical field
• Minimum 10 years of experience with technical delivery teams
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Reads blueprints and/or drawings
• Other technician and/or operator roles that lead to a better understanding of the equipment and processes

Desired Skills And Experience

• Degree in technical field or strong Math/Science background
• Project Management skills
• Lean Fundamentals
• Yellow Belt or Green Belt
• Performance Excellence tools
• Has had several leadership opportunities

Compensation and Benefits

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $70,954.00 - $97,562.00, assuming full-time status. Starting pay depends on location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits and Recognition

• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with key business results
• 100% company-paid pension with matching 401(k) contributions; total retirement contributions can be 7%–12% of pay
• Health and well-being benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family-building support, fitness, life insurance, disability, disease management, paid time off, and EAP
• Recognition program to celebrate contributions

Corning is an equal opportunity employer. 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. Reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws are available. To request accommodations related to disability or religion, please contact [e-mail].