Senior Precision Design Engineer

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Date: Jul 21, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

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Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 76609

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

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with more than 175 years of expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics. We are seeking a Senior Precision Machine Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced precision machinery and manufacturing systems — from concept through full production implementation.

Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of precision machine systems, fixturing, and mechanical assemblies for prototype and manufacturing applications

Translate product and process requirements into machine concepts, system architectures, detailed specifications, and precision error budgets; design for micron and sub-micron performance using kinematics, structural stiffness, thermal stability, vibration control, and machine loop analysis

Perform detailed engineering analysis using advanced CAD, simulation, and modeling tools; develop proof-of-concept prototypes and test platforms

Partner with Research, Development, and Manufacturing teams; collaborate with system integrators and suppliers to deliver precision systems that meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives

Lead machine build, assembly, installation, debug, qualification, and transfer to manufacturing; troubleshoot complex mechanical and system-level issues through data-driven root cause analysis

Mentor junior engineers and promote precision engineering tools, methods, and best practices across project teams

Skills / Competencies

Applies strong engineering judgment to make data-driven technical decisions in complex development environments with evolving requirements

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field

8+ years of experience in precision machinery, equipment development, product development, or manufacturing engineering

5+ years experience with proven expertise in designing precision equipment, including selection and specification of linear guides, ball screws, linear motors, encoders, bearings, and motion platforms

5+ years experience demonstrated ability to develop machine specifications, error budgets, tolerance analyses, and system performance models

5+ years experience with a deep knowledge of precision engineering principles: kinematic design, machine and measurement loops, structural stiffness, thermal effects, instrumentation, and measurement fundamentals

Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks/Vault) and engineering analysis tools

Desired Qualifications

Experience with precision measurement tools such as interferometers, laser trackers, spindle analyzers, accelerometers, autocollimators, vibration analysis tools, and precision levels

Familiarity with metrology data analysis, including Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis, ASME B5/B89 standards, and Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) methodologies

Experience developing custom instrumentation and measurement systems using LabVIEW, Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems, sensors, and custom hardware

Experience in project or technical program leadership

Experience supporting machine qualification, installation, startup, and production transfer

Communicates technical findings and design rationale clearly to cross-functional and non-technical stakeholders

Collaborates effectively across research, development, and manufacturing teams to deliver shared project outcomes

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $121,698.00 - $167,336.00 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.

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.

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, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.

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.

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 accommodations@corning.com.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory

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