Mechanical Design Engineer - OCS Technology: New Product Development

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Date: May 12, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 74824

 

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.

Purpose:

This engineer will take ownership of design activities and apply expertise in areas such as plastic injection molding and sheet metal design. The role requires close collaboration with manufacturing, prototyping, and fabrication teams to ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective. It also involves direct communication with customers to help define requirements, support collaborative design efforts, and contribute to the successful execution of new product development programs.

The candidate should be comfortable balancing technical depth with execution, using sound engineering judgment to drive designs from early development through production. We are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, relevant engineering experience, strong communication and collaboration skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

 

Key Responsibilities
•    Design and develop fiber optic hardware components and assemblies in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary product development environment.
•    Collaborate closely with customers and cross-functional teams, including molding, prototyping, fabrication, manufacturing, quality, production, and analysis, to ensure designs meet customer requirements and are manufacturable and cost-effective.

•    Utilize CAD (Creo) to create and refine parts and assemblies involving sheet metal, plastic molded components, and user-centered mechanical design approaches.
•    Apply engineering principles; including participating in root cause analysis,  performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and other relevant mechanical evaluations,  to support product design, tolerance development, DFM, validation, optimization, reliability, and cost reduction efforts.
•    Contribute to a systems-level product development approach, ensuring designs are developed as part of an integrated product architecture rather than in isolation.
•    Use and contribute to Windchill or similar document management systems to maintain accurate design records, drawings, specifications, and product documentation.
•    Support prototype builds, design reviews, testing, and implementation of design improvements based on data and/or customer feedback.

 

Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or industrial engineering 
•    2+ years of relevant engineering experience in product development, mechanical design, or related engineering work.
•    1+ year of experience and proficiency with CAD software, preferably Creo Parametric.
•    1+ year of experience designing components involving sheet metal and plastic molded parts.
•    Understanding design for manufacturability, tolerance considerations, and engineering documentation practices.
•    Familiarity with Windchill or similar product lifecycle/document management systems.

 

Desired Skills and Abilities:
•    Working knowledge of mechanical analysis tools, including FEA; experience with additional analysis methods is a plus.
•    Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and drive work to completion with appropriate guidance.
•    Strong problem-solving skills and sound engineering judgment.
•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, teams and customers.

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

 

The range for this position is $70,042.00 - $96,309.00 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.

 

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

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