Contract Pilot Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Number: 75184

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. 

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

• Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
• Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
• Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
• Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
• Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
• Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Design and develop mechanical systems that transition advanced technologies from R&D into scalable, production-ready manufacturing. This role converts early-stage concepts into robust mechanical designs - including precision components, assemblies, automation systems, tooling, fixtures, and custom capital equipment - that perform reliably in high-volume production environments. Work spans the full design lifecycle, from concept development and prototyping through pilot builds, NPI, technology transfer, and full manufacturing deployment.

• Design precision mechanical components, assemblies, and subsystems for advanced manufacturing equipment, including automation systems, custom capital equipment, tooling, fixtures, precision mechanisms, and high-throughput production systems.
• Apply DFM and DFA principles to ensure designs are robust, serviceable, cost-effective, and scalable from concept through manufacturing deployment.
• Collaborate with mechanical, process, controls, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver integrated solutions that meet functional, quality, and production requirements.
• Support technology transfer and production scale-up, moving designs from R&D and pilot environments into reliable volume manufacturing.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis, apply GD&T, and select materials to ensure design integrity across machined parts, sheet metal, weldments, and precision assemblies.
• Partner with contract manufacturers, machine shops, fabrication suppliers, and external integrators to improve manufacturability and cost; participate in RFQs and supplier qualification.
• Contribute to FMEA, design reviews, verification, and validation as systems move from development into production.
• Manage design documentation, BOMs, revisions, and ECO/ECR processes in PDM/PLM systems such as Windchill, Teamcenter, or equivalent.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, design iteration, and continuous improvement as production systems are deployed and optimized.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of applied mechanical design experience in manufacturing, automation, industrial equipment, or capital equipment environments.
• Strong hands-on experience designing mechanisms, structural assemblies, and precision components intended for production use, not just prototypes or one-off builds.
• Demonstrated experience supporting technology transfer, NPI, production scale-up, and production readiness from R&D or pilot environments.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or equivalent.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with mechanical, process, controls, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver production-ready solutions.
• Experience managing design documentation in PDM/PLM systems and through ECO/ECR change processes.
• Comfort working in dynamic, iterative environments using stage-gate, agile, or similar development processes.
• ~50% domestic travel to Corning manufacturing and development sites along with 3rd party suppliers and machine builders. Travel % and location is project dependent with higher and lower travel periods corresponding with the phases/milestones of the project.

• 8+ years of applied mechanical design experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial equipment; candidates with advanced degrees (MS/PhD) may be considered with fewer years.
• MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and Design for Reliability.
• Experience applying DFM, DFA, and DFMA across sheet metal, machined parts, weldments, castings, and precision assemblies.
• Experience with FMEA, FEA, and structured design review and validation processes.
• Background in industrial automation, precision assembly, motion control, mechatronics, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, or high-throughput manufacturing equipment design.
• Experience with PDM/PLM platforms such as PTC Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter, or Dassault Enovia.
• Hands-on collaboration with contract manufacturers, machine shops, and external integrators on RFQs, supplier qualification, and design-for-cost activities.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or Six Sigma in production environments.
• Experience with NPI processes, milestone-based design reviews, and cross-functional program teams.

The range for this position is $95,227.00 - $130,938.00 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. 

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.