Mechanical Design Technician

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. Our Optical Communications segment provides industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry, classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network.

About the role

The Mechanical Design Technician will be responsible for equipment design and documentation related to new optical fiber capacity projects, cost avoidance initiatives, and replacement of obsolete parts in OFC manufacturing facilities for the Fiber Technology Platforms and Projects department. The role involves assisting the Equipment Projects team in executing new capital equipment design, documentation, and supporting OFC engineering departments and manufacturing with technology synergy.

Responsibilities

• Design and document current and future manufacturing equipment for global fiber manufacturing.
• Partner with multifunctional teams to define and deliver equipment technology for capital capacity, cost reduction, quality improvement, and standardization projects.
• Support project execution by coordinating equipment packages, design reviews, stakeholder input, and integration of new technology.
• Identify obsolete production parts, evaluate alternatives, and support equipment improvements and replacement plans to reduce downtime.
• Troubleshoot development equipment in lab or manufacturing environments using basic mechanical tools.
• Travel to project and manufacturing sites to assess equipment configurations, capture undocumented changes, and submit redlines through ECR/MCS processes.
• Create and maintain equipment, procedure, and project documentation using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CAD, Vault, and related systems.
• Collaborate with CAD Drafting, ETQ, engineering, and receiving teams to ensure documentation compliance and support training for deployed equipment and processes.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in mechanical or industrial technical degree (design/drafting, mechanical, mechatronics, industrial) or relevant project and manufacturing equipment experience.
• Minimum of 1 year’s experience in designing and documenting manufacturing equipment.

Skills

• Design with 3D tools like Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, Vault, or other 3D solid modeling tools.
• Manufacturing equipment design and development experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with multinational teams.
• Proficiency in Windows Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word, for creating and modifying documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.
• Strong problem-solving skills using logic, data, and experience to address equipment and process challenges.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Safety-first mindset with a focus on protecting intellectual property and sensitive information.
• Hands-on skills for equipment debug and troubleshooting.

Desired Skills

• Optical fiber manufacturing experience, particularly in Draw and Fibermaking (development, engineering, or operations).
• Proficient Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and Vault user with more than 2 years of experience.
• Familiarity with pneumatic components/controls.
• Experience in project planning, installation, and debug of manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to detail mechanical parts/assemblies in Inventor and create mechanical equipment drawing packages for new platform concepts, cost avoidance projects, and draw configurations.

Schedule

• Location: Wilmington, NC.
• Normal business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Travel: Average <25%, mostly within NC, with occasional international travel (1-2 times per year to India, Poland, or China). Passport required.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $62,547.00 - $86,003.00 for full-time status. Starting pay depends on geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness programs, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, and paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support to you and your family.
• 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career.
• Matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, with total company contributions between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on age and years of service.
• Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives aligned with business performance.
• Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.