Manufacturing Technology - Automation Engineer

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.

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 integrated automation 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.

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.

Provides directions to other technicians / engineers, coaches junior engineers, and provides guidance to maintenance personnel

Develops and leads some areas of the manufacturing and/or technical roadmap. Proficient in use of statistical data analysis and DOE in process problem solving and process/product improvement.

Introduces new products and technologies.

Develops SME knowledge of material, process and/or equipment in focused areas of manufacturing or engineering.

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

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.

Ability to evaluate vendor design concepts against automation requirements and lead decision analysis to select proposals that best aligns with Corning’s business objectives.

Experience with managing external machine builders and system integrators for detail design, build, and integration of automation equipment.

Ability to work in a team-based environment and contribute to a highly matrixed project team.

Project Management Skills

Design and/or Manufacturing experience

Advanced CAD design experience (SolidWorks, Creo)

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

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)

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