Sr Automation Engineer

Corning Incorporated; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 95,997 - 131,996; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

100% company-paid pension benefit

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Hickory, North Carolina is looking for a Mechanical Design Lead for their automation projects. This role involves providing mechanical design expertise and managing project phases from initiation to production support.

With a focus on cost reduction and process optimization, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary range and various company benefits including comprehensive health care, pension benefits, and employee recognition programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mechanical design, automation integration, or capital asset development experience.
• Valid passport for domestic and international travel.
• Proficiency in CAD tools and ability to visualize concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical design expertise for new equipment and system introductions.
• Interface with external system integrators and machine builders.
• Participate in all project phases from initiation to technology transfer.

Skills

Mechanical design expertise

Automation integration

CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks)

Troubleshooting mechanical systems

Technical communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Corning is a world leader in glass, ceramic, and materials science, advancing technologies for ocean, space, and everyday applications.

Role Purpose

This role is part of the Division Engineering organization focused on global automation projects. The position serves as a technical or mechanical lead, steering delivery of new automation equipment, process optimization, or cost reduction initiatives to support the Division’s automation strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical design expertise for new equipment and system introductions, continuous improvements, cost reductions, maintenance, and productivity improvements.
• Interface with external system integrators and machine builders to deliver fully integrated equipment to Corning plants on‑time, on‑budget, and meeting performance requirements.
• Participate in or direct all project phases: initiation, design/development, equipment build, factory acceptance, production start‑up support, training, and technology transfer.
• Ensure design packages are complete, documented properly, and conform to Corning standards.
• Prepare technical specifications for automation equipment development in line with Automation PRIME and GPM playbooks.
• Work with project teams to solve automation problems, resolve project‑related issues, and develop fundamental understanding of technical and process requirements critical to system success.
• Execute project assignments and manage projects in a team‑based environment with minimal supervision.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of mechanical design, automation integration, or capital asset development and deployment experience.
• Ready to travel domestically and internationally (e.g., Mexico, Poland). Valid passport required.
• High level of technical curiosity and ability to devise unique solutions.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design practices, equipment fabrication and assembly, troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Experience with experimentation, prototype testing, and validation of design approaches.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks) and animation tools for visualizing concepts and describing processes.

Desired Experiences

• Design and/or manufacturing experience.
• Automation integration experience.
• Advanced CAD design (SolidWorks, Creo).
• Prior experience moving a new product or process from development to manufacturing.
• Excellent technical communication skills.
• Ability to understand, leverage and drive accountability to established standards.
• Adaptability to changing workflows and new software/tools.
• Experience with productivity/planning tools such as MindManager, Visio, Minitab, CAD data management.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $95,997.00 – $131,996.00. Starting pay depends on various factors including location and experience.

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives tied to key business results.
• 100% company‑paid pension benefit with matching contributions to 401(k), reaching 7%‑12% of pay.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.

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 [e-mail].