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Manager, Automation Equipment Design

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Date: Nov 19, 2025

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 71882

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

Responsible for overseeing the mechanical design, build, and commissioning of complex process automation equipment. Manage and lead teams of Equipment Engineers during the development of automated machine solutions. Ensure successful delivery of equipment into global manufacturing locations.

Key Responsibilities

Manage team of mechanical engineers focused on delivering various equipment for early to mid-stage prototypes ensuring sound engineering rigor and industrial scalability.

Development of automation equipment often requiring high precision design and assembly.

Be an advocate and role model for safety across all interactions within Corning. Ensure all work is performed in a safe manner and environment. Responsible for personal safety and that of others at the facility.

Oversee the definition of new automation designs and technologies that enable various manufacturing strategies for Corning Optical Communications.

Ensure documentation and application of fundamental understanding as a critical precursor for robust automation process equipment design.

Maintain knowledge of the newest technology developments within the manufacturing equipment and automation industry, supporting consistent application of new technology and best practices.

Maintain and update mechanical/department standards for automation equipment.

Collaborate with advanced R&D, division engineering, and manufacturing teams on new equipment solutions, product introductions, process improvements, and raw material changes.

Work with team to grow competency in mechanical design through targeted trainings and design reviews

Manage and lead automation work streams which may include electrical, mechanical, controls, and processing engineering resources.

Oversee the authoring of records of inventions for novel designs, following Corning's Intellectual Property management process.

Collaborate with outside suppliers on specifying and procuring equipment, automation systems, and machine components.

Provide detailed project results through periodic internal reports and presentations for review by peers, customers, and managers.

Lead resolution of complex equipment-related design or manufacturing issues impacting quality, cost, delivery, or safety.

Keep abreast of the state of the art in various technologies impacting automation and precision manipulation.

Experiences/Education - Required

BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field

10+ years of combined engineering or manufacturing experience
Minimum 5 years of equipment design experience
Ability to gather VOC requirements and oversee exceptional mechanical design of automation equipment
Proven ability to lead and manage complex engineering projects and technical teams
Demonstrated ability to drive creative thinking and rigorous problem-solving
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong technical writing skills for developing specifications, procedures, and validation protocols

Experiences/Education - Desired

Experience in precision engineering through development of automation or metrology equipment
Expert-level competence in SolidWorks design tool
5 years of managerial experience
Experience with contract automation or integration firms
Experience delivering new products or processes into multiple manufacturing sites
Proficient at GD&T
Experience with ladder or structured text programming
Mechatronics engineering experience
Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills using Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, and DOE tools

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $148,334.00 - $203,959.00 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.

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory

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