Automation Development Engineer
Apply now »Date: Nov 13, 2026
Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 79720
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
Help design the next generation of Corning manufacturing equipment, from benchtop and lab-scale tools to fully automated systems. You'll work in a multi-disciplinary team to develop concepts, build prototypes, and deliver safe, reliable, and innovative equipment for manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with business leaders and end users to define equipment needs across benchtop systems, semi-automated stations, and fully automated cells.
Generate, evaluate, and select concepts using engineering principles. Design, build, and test prototypes and subsystems that integrate mechanical, electrical, motion, vision, and software components.
Present designs and lead or participate in design reviews. Provide expertise to the team deploying industrialized versions into manufacturing.
Document novel designs and intellectual property, and model safe work practices for colleagues.
Travel up to 25%, typically in concentrated periods every 1–2 years.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree in Engineering or a related field with relevant internship experience
Training in engineering mechanics and electrical circuits
Training or experience in programming
Experience preparing technical documentation and diagrams
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Desired Qualifications
Advanced degree in a relevant discipline
Mechanical design experience in SolidWorks
Programming experience in object-oriented languages such as C++, C#, Java, or Rust, plus MATLAB and Python
Experience with machine vision, motion control, or vision-guided motion
Electrical or electronics design experience
Basic optics knowledge, such as photography or laser systems
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 accommodations@corning.com.
Nearest Major Market: Hickory