Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Scope of Position

The Precision Machine Design Engineer will contribute to the development of precision machine systems and components for applications ranging from prototype tools to plant-floor manufacturing equipment. This role will support concept generation, detailed mechanical design, tolerance analysis, machine specification development, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced engineers, researchers, manufacturing teams, and external suppliers to develop practical and robust machine solutions for challenging technical applications. This position offers the opportunity to grow technical depth in precision engineering principles, machine design, metrology, and system integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision machine systems, tooling, fixturing, and mechanical components for research, development, and manufacturing applications.
• Assist in translating product and process requirements into machine concepts, design requirements, and detailed mechanical designs.
• Apply engineering fundamentals in areas such as kinematics, stiffness, thermal behavior, vibration, and tolerance analysis to improve machine performance and robustness.
• Use CAD and engineering analysis tools to create, evaluate, and refine mechanical designs.
• Work with Research, Development, and Manufacturing teams across Corning divisions to support new product and equipment development efforts.
• Support material selection and mechanical design decisions based on application requirements and expected machine performance.
• Develop and test proof-of-concept prototypes using internal lab resources and equipment.
• Work with suppliers and internal trades personnel to specify, procure, assemble, and install machine components and systems.
• Assist with machine setup, debugging, qualification, and implementation in manufacturing or laboratory environments.
• Support performance testing and data collection activities to evaluate machine behavior and verify design requirements.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis of mechanical and system-level issues.
• Contribute to documentation such as design specifications, drawings, test plans, and engineering reports.

Travel Requirements

• Estimated travel: 10%-25%, depending on project needs.
• Travel may be required for equipment installation, startup support, supplier visits, and interaction with internal customers.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant engineering experience in machine design, equipment development, product development, or manufacturing engineering.
• 2+ experience working on mechanical systems, precision components, or automated equipment in an engineering or manufacturing environment.

Required Skills

• Basic to intermediate experience in mechanical design of equipment, fixtures, or machine systems.
• Understanding of engineering principles related to precision machinery, including tolerance analysis, machine stiffness, motion systems, and measurement fundamentals.
• Familiarity with specifying and selecting mechanical components such as linear guides, bearings, ball screws, motors, encoders, and structural elements.
• Ability to analyze technical requirements and support the development of practical mechanical design solutions.
• Experience using CAD software (SolidWorks/Vault) and engineering analysis tools to support design development.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Exposure to precision measurement tools such as test indicators,  interferometers, laser trackers, accelerometers, autocollimators, or precision levels.
• Familiarity with metrology concepts, data analysis, and engineering standards.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, lab testing, or machine debugging.
• Exposure to instrumentation, sensors, DAQ systems, or LabVIEW-based measurement setups.
• Ability to work in a development environment with changing priorities and evolving technical requirements.