Sr Automation Engineer

Sr Automation Engineer

Date: Aug 15, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 74799

**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

This role sits within Corning Optical Connectivity Solution’s Division Engineering organization supporting global automation projects. This position will serve as a technical lead or mechanical lead on project teams, leading delivery of new automation equipment, process optimization, or cost reduction in support of the Division’s automation strategy. A leading priority of the Global Automation Projects Management Group in Division Engineering is to establish and ensure accountability for global standards in equipment design and deployment across our manufacturing plants. This role in collaboration with internal Corning cross functional teams and external equipment integrators will support new equipment & system introductions, process improvements and cost reduction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical design expertise in support of new equipment & system introductions, continuous improvements, cost reductions, maintenance, and productivity improvements

• Interface with external system integrators and machine builders to successfully deliver fully inte grated equipment to Corning’s plants on-time, on-budget, and that satisfy performance measures

• Actively participate / direct all phases of the project including initiation, design/development, equipment build, factory acceptance, production start-up support, training of plant personnel and technology transfer

• Ensure design packages are complete and documented properly and conform to Corning standards

• Prepare technical specifications for automation equipment development in accordance with automation PRIME, GPM playbook for automation deployment

• Work with project teams to solve automation problems, resolve project related issues, and develop fundamental understanding of technical / process requirements critical to system success

• The individual must be capable of executing project assignments as well as managing projects, in a team-based environment, with minimal supervision

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent

• Ideal candidate will possess 5+ years of mechanical design, automation integration or capital asset development and deployment experience

• Able to travel domestically and globally (Mexico and Poland at a minimum)

• Valid passport

• High level of technical curiosity that will enable unique solutions to the technical challenges incumbent in the position

• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design practices, equipment fabrication and assembly, and troubleshooting mechanical systems

• Ability to use experimentation to develop basic process knowledge, design prototype test systems, and perform proof of principle testing to validate design approach. Develop experimental plans focused on testing equipment, prototypes, and troubleshoot mechanical issues

• Use CAD tools (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks) and animation tools to visualize concepts, describe processes, and describe systems requirements

Desired Experiences

• Design and/or Manufacturing experience

• Automation integration experience

• Advanced CAD design experience (SolidWorks, Creo)

• Prior experience moving a new product or process from development into manufacturing

• Excellent technical communication skills

• Ability to understand, leverage and drive accountability to established standards

• Ability to quickly adapt to work process changes, new software/tools, and evolving workflows while maintaining productivity, quality, and clear communication

• Experience with productivity/planning tools and ability to quickly learn and use them – MindManager, Visio, Minitab (graphical and statistical analysis), CAD data management (PTC Windchill, SolidWorks Vault)

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $95,997.00 - $131,996.00 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.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory