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Structural Engineering Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of engineering mechanics and design principles: fixtures, tooling, structural stability, alignment, tolerance analysis, and precision assembly * Demonstrated ability to lead technical ...

Knowledge of engineering mechanics and design principles: fixtures, tooling, structural stability, alignment, tolerance analysis, and precision assembly * Demonstrated ability to lead technical ...

Apply engineering fundamentals in areas such as kinematics, stiffness, thermal behavior, vibration ... structural elements. * Ability to analyze technical requirements and support the development of ...

Knowledge of engineering mechanics and design principles: fixtures, tooling, structural stability, alignment, tolerance analysis, and precision assembly * Demonstrated ability to lead technical ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing ... Strong hands-on experience designing mechanisms, structural assemblies, and precision components ...

Showing results 21-40

Structural Engineering information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$44.8K

$89K

$136.1K

How much do structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineering in Hickory, NC is $88,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Structural engineers work to make sure that structures can withstand the loads and forces they encounter, such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, creating blueprints, and sometimes inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with design specifications. Structural engineering plays a vital role in the safety and durability of the built environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure (such as a PE license). Proficiency in structural analysis software (like SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD) and familiarity with building codes are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients. These skills ensure the safety, stability, and efficiency of structures while facilitating teamwork and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges structural engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural engineers often collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams on multidisciplinary projects. One common challenge is aligning structural requirements with architectural aesthetics and project budgets without compromising safety or functionality. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to resolving conflicts and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, adapting to changing project scopes and coordinating with multiple stakeholders can require strong project management and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsRequires a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering, PE license often preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and towersEncompasses a broader range of infrastructure projects including roads, water systems, and urban planning
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction, architecture, and engineering firmsUsed across construction, transportation, urban development, and environmental sectors

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing and analyzing structures to ensure safety and stability. Civil engineering covers a broader scope of infrastructure projects. While structural engineers concentrate on the integrity of individual structures, civil engineers handle a wide range of infrastructure systems. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but their project focus and scope differ significantly.

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Structural Engineering jobs? Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Structural Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Engineering job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,996 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Automation Measurements Engineer

Corning

Hickory, NC • On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 76606
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.
Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
At Corning, we bring together technically deep engineers to develop solutions that push the boundaries of automation and measurement. As an Automation Measurement Engineer, you'll lead the design and integration of advanced measurement, sensing, inspection, and test systems - working across hardware, software, and systems disciplines to deliver solutions that are accurate, scalable, and built to perform in industrial environments. If you thrive at the intersection of optics, metrology, and automation, this role offers meaningful technical challenges and real impact.
Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and integrate automated measurement, sensing, inspection, and test solutions across complex automation systems
  • Lead system architecture decisions, feasibility studies, and proof-of-concept development to evaluate and reduce technical risk
  • Drive integration of measurement hardware, sensors, fixtures, and software into broader automation platforms; troubleshoot performance, accuracy, and repeatability issues
  • Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and manufacturing teams to define requirements and deliver integrated solutions
  • Mentor junior engineers, support intellectual property documentation, and communicate project results and risks to stakeholders

Required Qualifications
  • BS in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with 6-8 years of relevant experience; MS with 4-6 years; or PhD with 0-3 years
  • Hands-on experience with optics, metrology, measurement, and inspection systems in industrial or automation environments
  • Knowledge of engineering mechanics and design principles: fixtures, tooling, structural stability, alignment, tolerance analysis, and precision assembly
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects or workstreams across multiple engineering disciplines, with strong communication and stakeholder alignment skills
  • Scientific programming experience in C#, C++, Java, or similar languages; solid foundation in software engineering principles and architecture
  • Strong analytical skills including data analysis, statistics, signal processing, measurement system evaluation, calibration, accuracy, and repeatability assessment

Desired Qualifications
  • Strong technical understanding of how measurement and sensing systems are electrically and mechanically integrated into equipment and/or automation platforms.
  • Experience with SolidWorks, mechanical fixture, tooling design, GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, precision alignment, and assembly methods
  • Experience with interferometry, chromatic confocal, displacement sensing, force measurement, temperature sensing, laser-based measurement, or other industrial sensing technologies
  • Familiarity with both vendor-based inspection/sensing platforms and PC-based measurement or automation software tools
  • Experience with data acquisition systems, industrial communications, PLC interfacing, and controls integration
  • Experience working in manufacturing, automation, metrology, or industrial engineering environments
  • Familiarity with object-oriented software development in modern programming languages.
  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $101,784.00 - $139,953.00 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.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.

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.

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