Manager, Automation Equipment Design

Corning
Hickory, NC

Requisition Number: 69178

 

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 Optical Communications is seeking a dynamic and experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead the design, build, and commissioning of advanced process automation equipment for our global manufacturing network. You will head a talented team of Equipment Engineers delivering innovative solutions from prototype to production, all while ensuring technical excellence, safety, and seamless integration into high-performance manufacturing systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of Mechanical Engineers in developing automation systems—early-stage concepts through industrial implementation.
  • Champion a culture of safety and model safe working behaviors in all interactions.
  • Drive automation strategies that promote lowest-cost manufacturing with maximum reliability.
  • Oversee robust design documentation processes and maintain high engineering standards.
  • Stay ahead of industry technology trends and promote their integration across equipment platforms.
  • Guide collaboration with R&D, division engineering, and manufacturing teams to pioneer new processes and product introductions.
  • Lead targeted skill development efforts and design review sessions to nurture engineering talent.
  • Manage cross-functional workstreams across mechanical, electrical, controls, and process domains.
  • Interface with external suppliers to define, procure, and integrate machinery and automation systems.
  • Author technical documentation, present project results to stakeholders, and support intellectual property development.
  • Resolve technical design and operational challenges that affect equipment safety, quality, cost, or delivery.

Travel Requirements:

Approximately 20%, some international

Hours of Work:

Normal business hours, 8–5

Required Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  • 8+ years in engineering/manufacturing roles
  • 5+ years in equipment/process design.
  • Strong track record of leading complex engineering projects and technical teams.
  • Proficient in design tools, GD&T, FMEA, RCA, DOE, and technical documentation.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of people management experience.
  • Expertise in SolidWorks.
  • Experience with contract automation firms and scaling equipment across global sites.

 

 

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

 

The range for this position is $148,334.00 - $203,959.00 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. The benefits available for this position are dependent on hours worked and may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, pension plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, and PTO.

 

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, and career from day one

  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit that grows throughout your career. We also offer a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions. 
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, and disease management programs.
  • 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.    
  • 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 peer-to-peer recognition program to celebrate success by recognizing colleagues who demonstrate above-and-beyond behaviors. 

 

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.

 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] .

Posted 2025-09-24

Recommended Jobs

Social Worker Team Lead

Givens Communities
Asheville, NC

Why join Givens? Givens Communities continues to be a positive force and advocate for older adults. We have a mission to expand the possibilities of aging by improving lives through communities, servi…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-16

Lead cook

Hwy 55 Burgers/ Tiny Frog, Inc. (NC)
North Carolina

**Job Title: Lead Cook** **Location:** [Insert Location] **Department:** Kitchen **Reports to:** Head Chef/ **Position Type:** Full-time **Job Summary:** We are seeking a talented and experie…

View Details
Posted 2025-07-29

Landscape Sales Professional

Paradise Landscaping
Shelby, NC

Job Description Job Description Benefits: ~401(k) ~401(k) matching ~ Company car ~ Competitive salary ~ Dental insurance ~ Health insurance ~ Opportunity for advancement ~ Paid tim…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-20

Flatbed/Dry Van/Reefer Owner Operator - CDL A

Empire National Inc.
Charlotte, NC

Our team has been in the transportation industry for more than 5 years, we are a united, multicultural, and international company. Balance and quality are our priorities. Our Owner Operators earn…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-08

Cashier / Front Counter / Host / Crew Member / Team Member AM/PM

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill - Arendell St.
Morehead City, NC

Description What Makes Dairy Queen Sweet? Check out these DQ Perks: 1) Flexible Schedules - Dairy Queen understands that you probably have commitments to your family, friends, school or sports t…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-07

HVAC Technician

Alamance Foods
Graham, NC

Job Description Job Description An HVAC Technician, or a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician, installs and repairs various air quality systems. Their main duties include locating…

View Details
Posted 2025-07-25

Experienced Lead Preschool Teacher

LeafSpring School at Matthews
Matthews, NC

Job Description Job Description Benefits: ~401(k) ~401(k) matching ~ Dental insurance ~ Health insurance ~ Paid time off ~ Tuition assistance ~ Vision insurance Company: Leaf…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-20

3730 Packing Fl Op 1

Mt Olive Pickle Company
Mount Olive, NC

Job Description Job Description Description: Summary Operates forklift in a high-pedestrian area to safely transport items from incoming staging area to production lines. Duties and Re…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-23

Lead Person - Night Shift

Leggett & Platt
Conover, NC

Pay: $20.00 Hourly Hours: Monday through Friday Starting at 6:00pm Working 10-12 Hours (Fridays only applicable when production demands)  Elite Comfort Solutions, a Leggett & Platt Company, is…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-05

Shipping & Receiving Associate

Carolina Components Group
Durham, NC

Job Type: Full time Location: Durham, NC 27703 Summary: The Shipping & Receiving Associate will be responsible for all warehouse functions for the warehouse, including receiving and checking…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-16