Mechanical Engineer III

Job Description Job Description Job Title: Mechanical Engineer III Duration: 07/13/2026 – 01/29/2027 with Extension Work Location: Wilmington, NC (Onsite) Position Summary: Corning is seeking a Mechanical Engineer III to provide mechanical engineering support for the construction, installation, debugging, and startup of manufacturing equipment and automated systems at domestic and international manufacturing facilities. This is a highly hands-on role where the majority of time will be spent on the manufacturing floor working directly with equipment through turnover to operations. The engineer will supervise internal engineering technicians, maintenance personnel, and external contractors throughout equipment installation, conversion, testing, and startup activities while ensuring project goals are achieved safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Engagement Requirements: BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. Minimum 3+ years of manufacturing experience working with manufacturing equipment. Ability to work hands-on with equipment using hand tools, measurement instruments, and alignment devices.

Strong understanding of process variables including flow, temperature, rate, pressure, and level. Experience interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and P&IDs. Familiarity with process piping system design.

Thorough understanding of mechanical drive trains, electrical actuators, and pneumatic actuators. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a team-oriented environment. Strong focus on safety and proactive risk mitigation.

Excellent communication, presentation, and teamwork skills. Self-starter with strong problem-solving and results-oriented mindset. Key Responsibilities: Provide mechanical discipline support during construction, installation, debugging, startup, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment and automated systems.

Supervise and direct engineering technicians, maintenance teams, and contract trades during demolition, construction, installation, testing, and equipment debugging activities. Develop and execute project plans and timelines to achieve project objectives while maintaining safety, quality, and intellectual property standards. Ensure project teams are properly trained on safety requirements and investigate/report safety incidents.

Develop a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment functionality. Analyze and improve equipment installation practices to enhance project efficiency and installation schedules. Redesign mechanical components to reduce installation costs, resolve equipment interferences, and improve equipment designs.

Interface with machine builders, system integrators, and external vendors to successfully deploy integrated manufacturing systems. Perform hands-on troubleshooting and direct technicians and trades to resolve equipment and process issues. Train maintenance personnel, technicians, and contractors on new equipment installation procedures.

Review, redline, and modify installation checklists, machine specifications, schedules, drawings, and documentation packages. Create and update engineering documentation including machine part lists, illustrations, specifications, and installation procedures. Procure and expedite materials required for equipment builds and installations.

Evaluate existing equipment for compatibility with new installation plans. Provide technical leadership and direction to technicians throughout project execution. Desired Skills: Experience with AutoCAD®, Inventor, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.

Manufacturing floor or construction environment experience. Strong commitment to job site safety and safety leadership. Project management experience including scope development, budgeting, and scheduling.

Ability to proactively address issues and make decisions in uncertain situations. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Knowledge of Optical Fiber manufacturing processes.

Travel Requirements: Travel may range from several days to several weeks during project initiation. Full-time travel may be required during deployment phases. Project phases typically range from 3–9 months and may extend beyond one year.

Travel required to Corning manufacturing facilities in: Wilmington, NC Concord, NC Winston-Salem, NC Hickory, NC Newton, NC International travel may be required to manufacturing sites in: India China Europe Work Schedule: 40+ hours per week, Monday–Friday. Adjusted schedules, overtime, and weekend work may be required depending on project phase and deployment activities.