Mechanical Engineering Lead - Automation and Equipment

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.

Corning is seeking a  Mechanical Engineering Lead - Automation and Equipment to join the Digital and Automation team in Charlotte, NC. This senior, hands-on role combines leadership of small project teams with active technical involvement. Relocation support is available, and the position requires approximately 50% travel , primarily domestic, depending on project needs such as vendor support, equipment builds, testing, and other project activities.

This position supports the d evelopment and deployment of advanced manufacturing automation equipment —from early concept and mechanical design through vendor build, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation . The ideal candidate brings a strong background in custom automation or precision equipment design , along with the ability to lead cross-functional engineers, manage technical project work, and work directly with external equipment vendors and suppliers to deliver reliable automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead small multidisciplinary project teams—including mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers—to deliver automation equipment projects from concept through implementation.
• Partner with external equipment vendors and suppliers to define requirements, review designs, support equipment builds and testing, and resolve technical issues.
• Design and integrate precision automation equipment using CAD, motion systems, actuators, sensors, robotics, and other mechanical/electrical components.
• Troubleshoot and improve equipment performance to meet manufacturing, reliability, safety, and precision requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical direction across both larger team projects and smaller individual projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in automation engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing equipment engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience developing manufacturing automation equipment through design, build, testing, integration, troubleshooting, and implementation.
• Experience leading small technical or cross-functional project teams.
• Experience working directly with external equipment vendors or suppliers on equipment design, build, testing, and delivery.
• Mechanical design experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar tools.
• Experience with precision motion and automation components, such as servo motors, stepper motors, linear actuators, sensors, and/or robotics.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous direct people-management experience or strong experience mentoring junior engineers.
• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical, controls, and software components into complete automation systems.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, controls, Python, MATLAB, C++, FEA, and/or CFD tools.
• Experience in custom machine building, industrial automation, precision manufacturing, robotics, or similar equipment-intensive environments.

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. 

• 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 View email address on corningjobs.corning.com .