Equipment Engineer, Flow Chemistry

Role Purpose

Corning’s Organic Materials Directorate tackles complex technical challenges involving organic materials across Corning businesses. The Equipment Engineer, Flow Chemistry supports scientists and engineers by ensuring Advanced Flow Reactor (AFR) and related flow chemistry equipment is safe, reliable, and ready to run—both in Corning laboratories and, as needed, at customer sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and functional checks on AFR/flow chemistry platforms and supporting laboratory equipment to maximize uptime and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, fluidic, and basic electrical/instrumentation issues using structured root-cause analysis; verify effectiveness of corrective actions and help prevent recurrence.
• Set up, configure, and support flow chemistry experiments, including system assembly/disassembly, leak checks, and verification of pressure and temperature control prior to operation.
• Provide on-site customer support as needed, including equipment setup, troubleshooting, and technical service to enable successful operation.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, service reports, and equipment documentation; communicate equipment status, risks, and corrective actions clearly to stakeholders.
• Support laboratory operations and readiness, including organization of tools/spares/consumables, inventory tracking, housekeeping routines, and appropriate waste handling.
• Coordinate logistics for equipment and parts (receiving, staging, shipping, and tracking) to ensure timely availability of critical components.
• Champion safety, compliance, and quality requirements; proactively identify hazards and drive practical improvements to safe work practices.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering (or related field) with hands-on laboratory experience and comfort working in a chemical lab environment.
• 2+ years of hands-on equipment experience performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of complex systems (laboratory, pilot, or process equipment).
• Demonstrated ability to work safely around chemicals and pressurized/temperature-controlled systems, with consistent adherence to procedures and documentation requirements.
• Strong ownership, attention to detail, and follow-through; able to prioritize work to maintain equipment readiness.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to partner with scientists/engineers and provide professional customer support.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience with flow chemistry or AFR-type systems, including fluid handling (pumps, valves, regulators), temperature control, and pressure control (e.g., back-pressure regulation).
• Familiarity with analytical lab environments (e.g., NMR, GC-MS, UPLC, FTIR) and the ability to coordinate equipment support with experimental workflows.
• Experience supporting safety and compliance activities in an R&D laboratory (e.g., chemical hygiene, pressure system safety, risk assessments, corrective actions).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.