• Automation Systems Engineering Intern - Summer

    Corning Incorporated (Hickory, NC)


    Automation Systems Engineering Intern - Summer 2026

    **Date:** Sep 2, 2025

    **Location:** Hickory, NC, US, 28601

    **Company:** Corning

     

    Requisition Number: 70661

     

    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.

     

    Scope of Position

     

    Automation systems engineers develop, design, and deploy new automation systems. The intern role involves collecting requirements then designing, building, and programming testbeds to evaluate how well those concepts meet the requirements. Future roles involve working with engineering specialists and outside suppliers to design manufacturing ready version of the concepts.

    Program Perks:

    + Competitive salaries

    + Assistance with housing and travel

    + Meaningful project and final project presentation

    Intern Activities:

    + Social and networking opportunities

    + Weekly tech talks

    + Community involvement

    Key Responsibilities

    + Engage project leaders to identify future needs for automation or machinery.

    + Generate, review, and select concepts.

    + Design, assemble and debug prototypes to prove out concepts.

    + Perform engineering analysis and fundamental understanding to select automation techniques, methods, mechanical and electrical hardware, and algorithms.

    + Collaborate with specialists familiar with large-scale design in areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, PC and PLC software, motion, optics, and machine vision.

    + Debug, test and lead resolution of design or manufacturing issues.

    + Document inventions.

    Experiences/Education - Required

    + Pursuing a BS or MS Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering

    + Must be available for 10 weeks during Summer 2026 (May-August 2026) with a graduation date of December 2026 or later

    + Be interested in working for Corning, Inc after graduation, if presented with a full-time job opportunity.

    + Be willing to work at the posted job location

    Required Skills:

    + Comfortable engaging with team members in a wide variety of roles to collect information; strong verbal communications skills.

    + Familiar with solid modeling software

    + Some familiarity with programming.

    + Strong organizational skills

    + Ability to write clear documents, including text and diagrams.

    Experiences/Education - Desired

    + Mechanical Design with SolidWorks

    + Experience machining and/or working with toolmakers

    + Familiar with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to mechanical design

    + Programming any of: PLC, Python, Java, C#, Matlab.

     

    This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

     

    •The range for this position is $1,635.00 - $3,185.00 biweekly. Starting pay for the successful applicant is prescribed based on geographic location, nature of position, and year in school.

    •** **A job that shapes a life. 

     

    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.

     

    We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To request an accommodation, please contact us at.

     

    **Nearest Major Market:** Hickory