Python Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Number: 75407

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

Role Purpose

Corning is seeking an experienced Machine Vision Engineer to develop and deploy machine vision and PC-based control solutions that enable real-time quality assurance and closed-loop control in automated manufacturing systems. This role encompasses automated optical inspection (AOI), image processing, defect detection, and vision-guided automation, with a strong emphasis on designing solutions that are scalable, repeatable, and production-ready across multiple manufacturing environments. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing Corning's smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement machine vision systems for in-process inspection, including defect detection, dimensional gauging, pattern recognition, surface inspection, barcode verification, and optical character recognition (OCR), across automated production equipment.

• Select, configure, and deploy vision hardware, including cameras, lighting systems, lenses, and frame grabbers; develop vision algorithms using Cognex VisionPro, Keyence, HALCON/MVTec, OpenCV, or NI Vision with Python, C++, C#, or LabVIEW.

• Integrate vision inspection solutions with PC-based control and automation platforms; interface with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and MES systems via OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, or GigE Vision protocols.

• Partner with mechanical, process, and systems engineers to align automated inspection and closed-loop control solutions with production quality requirements; translate manufacturing process knowledge into robust vision system specifications.

• Support commissioning, tuning, and long-term optimization of vision systems and motion control solutions; perform camera calibration, lighting optimization, and algorithm tuning to achieve target inspection performance.

• Architect repeatable, scalable automated inspection solutions for deployment across multiple manufacturing facilities; document systems to support long-term maintainability and knowledge transfer.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with machine vision platforms, including Cognex, Keyence, HALCON, NI Vision, MVTec MERLIC, or equivalent, with a track record of deploying systems into production manufacturing environments.

• Proficiency in PC-based control programming using Python, C++, C#, or LabVIEW; experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, SoftPLC, or NI real-time systems is highly valued.

• Proven track record of transitioning automated inspection, AOI, or machine vision technologies from R&D into sustained production use.

• Ability to integrate vision inspection outputs with PLC, SCADA, HMI, and MES systems via OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, or GigE Vision standards.

• Proven ability to build scalable automation solutions for multi-site manufacturing deployment, along with strong documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Willingness to travel up to 50% in a project-based role supporting multiple Corning manufacturing sites, including travel for equipment builds, commissioning, and ramp-up. This role offers exposure to global, cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and automation solutions. Travel levels vary by project phase and milestone.

Preferred Capabilities & Education

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in machine vision, controls engineering, or industrial automation.

• Familiarity with camera selection, lighting design, lens selection, and sensor calibration for industrial environments.

• Experience with deep learning vision tools such as Cognex ViDi, MVTec MERLIC, Azure Custom Vision, or TensorFlow/PyTorch applied to industrial inspection.

• Knowledge of USB3 Vision, CoaXPress, or Camera Link standards; experience with 3D vision or structured light systems is a plus.

• Background in robotics, motion control, or vision-guided robotics; experience in glass, fiber optics, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing is preferred.

The range for this position is $112,902.00 - $155,240.00 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. 

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.