Staff Mechanical Engineer, Automation & Equipment Design
Apply now »Date: Sep 28, 2026
Location: Painted Post, NY, US, 14870
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 74823
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.
Corning's Manufacturing, Technology and Engineering division (MTE) is recognized as the leader in engineering excellence & innovative manufacturing technologies by providing diverse skills to Corning’s existing & emerging businesses.
We anticipate & provide timely, valued, leading edge manufacturing technologies and engineering expertise. We partner with Corning’s businesses and the Science & Technology division. Together we create and sustain Corning’s manufacturing as a differential advantage.
Role Purpose
Corning Incorporated is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer, Automation & Equipment Design to join our Automation Equipment Design group at Sullivan Park in Corning, NY. This is an onsite role with travel that is project dependent and typically ranges from 25%–75% based on project phase. Travel is heaviest during vendor build check-ins, equipment installation, and production start-up, and may include international travel.
In this role, you will help solve challenging mechanical engineering and automation problems by designing, building, and installing equipment for Corning’s manufacturing plants. From a concept sketch to equipment running on a production floor, you will work on a range of projects—including custom machine design, automation systems, robot cells, conveyors, and material-handling equipment. Whether your strength is detailed mechanical design or guiding complex equipment projects from specification through commissioning, this role offers the opportunity to do both.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver custom process machines and automation systems that solve a range of mechanical engineering and manufacturing challenges, including robot cells, AGVs, conveyors, material-handling equipment, and specialized mechanical tooling; develop concepts, create CAD models and construction drawings, and follow builds through as-built documentation.
- Define machine design specifications, error budgets, tolerance analyses, and proof-of-concept test plans; evaluate data and make engineering recommendations
- Specify and manage external vendors and system integrators — from design review and build oversight through site acceptance and factory installation
- Lead or support on-site commissioning, production start-up, and plant operator training at Corning manufacturing facilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional manufacturing teams to translate process requirements into mechanical system designs that perform reliably in production
- Track project budgets and schedules; report status to internal stakeholders on a defined cadence
Minimum Qualifications and Skills
- B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related
- 8+ years of experience taking integrated machine and automation systems through the full design, build, and installation cycle in a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and ANSI Y14.5 drafting standards
- Hands-on experience with robot cells, AGVs, conveyors, or material handling systems — from design specification through commissioning
- Familiarity with electro-mechanical drive systems, fluid power, pneumatics, part sensing, and machine safety standards
- Experience managing external vendors or system integrators through at least part of the design, build, or integration process
- Ability to travel 25%–75% based on project phase, including potential international travel
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- 10 - 15+ years of experience delivering fully integrated machine and automation systems from design through factory installation
- Experience with SolidWorks and AutoCAD design software
- Project management experience overseeing multi-vendor automation programs — budgets, schedules, and cross-functional coordination
- Knowledge of glass or ceramic manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with precision engineering principles
- Experience designing systems for clean room or contamination-sensitive manufacturing environments
- Prior experience transitioning a new product or process from development into full-scale manufacturing
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $95,227.00 - $130,938.00 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.
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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: Corning