Sr. Mechanical Engineer

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, divided into carrier network and enterprise network product groups.

About the role

Corning Incorporated is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Plant Engineering team in Concord, NC. In this role, you will lead the design, specification, installation, commissioning, and optimization of plant equipment and utility systems to deliver safe, reliable, cost-effective, and performance-validated solutions. You will partner closely with operations, maintenance, process engineering, automation, external suppliers, and construction resources to improve uptime, throughput, quality, safety, and long-term asset performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant engineering projects from scope definition and financial justification through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and turnover to operations and maintenance.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for chronic equipment failures, process constraints, and quality-related mechanical issues.
• Define mechanical design requirements, equipment specifications, performance criteria, and acceptance criteria for new or modified plant systems.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation including equipment layouts, installation drawings, fabrication drawings, and as-built documentation.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, automation, process engineering, quality, and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) teams to improve uptime, throughput, and operational efficiency goals.
• Track project schedules, spending, and deliverables; communicate status and recommendations to plant leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technology degree.
• 5+ years of equipment or controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, rotating equipment, material handling, fluid power, pneumatics, structural components, utility systems, machine guarding, and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to translate manufacturing needs into engineering requirements, equipment specifications, mechanical designs, and validated solutions that meet safety, quality, cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Proficiency with 2D/3D design tools such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent engineering software; familiarity with drafting standards and as-built documentation practices.
• Strong project management capability, including scope development, cost estimating, schedule management, contractor coordination, risk management, and communication of project status.
• Demonstrated ability to lead root cause analysis, equipment reliability improvements, corrective action implementation, and continuous improvement using structured problem-solving methods.
• Sound understanding of robotics and ability to write and modify Fanuc Teach Pendant Programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, Project Management Professional (PMP), PE license, Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), or equivalent certification.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), preventive maintenance strategy, spare parts planning, and predictive maintenance technologies.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and plant change management procedures.
• Background in installation of new equipment, construction coordination, commissioning, qualification, and manufacturing start-up.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools such as Minitab, advanced Excel, or Power BI.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with hourly associates, technical experts, contractors, suppliers, and plant leadership.
• Self-directed, results-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and make sound engineering recommendations within plant standards, business priorities, safety requirements, and operational constraints.

Schedule

Standard business hours, Monday–Friday; flexibility required for off-hours. Less than 5% domestic travel in support of project objectives.

Pay

The range for this position is $95,042.00 - $130,683.00 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.

Benefits

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

Corning offers reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment.