Machine Design Engineer - Precision Systems

Corning is hiring two Machine Design Engineer – Precision Systems roles to join the Science & Technology organization at Sullivan Park in Corning, New York . As Corning’s flagship research and development campus, Sullivan Park is where scientists and engineers work together to turn new ideas into advanced products, manufacturing processes, and enabling technologies across optical communications, specialty materials, environmental technologies, and other high-impact applications.

In this role, you will help design and develop the custom precision machines, tooling, fixturing, and motion-enabled mechanical systems that Corning uses to create, test, refine, and scale new products and manufacturing processes. This is a strong opportunity for an engineer with experience in precision mechanical systems, machine design, automation equipment, mechatronics, or related hardware environments who can apply sound engineering judgment to solve difficult technical problems and help move complex ideas from concept through prototype and toward production-capable implementation.

These opportunities may be filled at different levels based on the selected candidate’s education, experience, technical depth, and demonstrated impact.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop custom precision machines, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical subsystems used in product and process development
• Create robust mechanical solutions for first-generation and next-generation equipment supporting new products and manufacturing capabilities
• Translate process requirements into practical equipment designs, performance requirements, and system functionality
• Solve engineering challenges involving precision motion, alignment, tolerance control, machine robustness, fabrication, assembly, and system integration
• Work across proof-of-concept prototypes, internal development platforms, and production-capable machine systems
• Integrate commercially available technologies, components, and processes into custom machine solutions
• Partner with Research, Development, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams, along with controls engineers, process engineers, optical scientists, and glass scientists
• Use engineering analysis, experimentation, prototyping, and hands-on problem-solving to reduce technical risk and improve equipment performance
• Support installation, debug, start-up, and transfer activities with internal teams, suppliers, and external machine builders or system integrators

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Precision Engineering, or a related engineering field
• 5+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Experience designing and developing complex mechanical systems, machines, tooling, or fixturing
• Experience with machine design, advanced equipment development, or automation systems
• Proficiency with computer-aided design tools such as SolidWorks or Inventor
• Strong mechanical problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary technical teams
• Willingness to travel as needed to support project and business needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Precision Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience; 15+ years preferred for higher-level scope
• 3–5+ years of experience in precision engineering
• Experience designing and building precision motion systems
• Experience with metrology tools such as coordinate measuring machines or laser interferometers
• Knowledge of precision machining methods, materials, and fabrication considerations
• Experience supporting prototype and production-capable machine systems
• Experience researching prior art and documenting intellectual property