Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer
Job Description
We are seeking a talented Automation Engineer to join our team, focusing on creating and modifying PLC programs for our fiber optic cable production plant. You will design and implement new control systems projects, manage controls engineering scope for process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence mitigation projects. Your work will involve implementing robust, cost-effective automation and process machine control systems and interfacing with external system integrators to deliver fully integrated process equipment systems.
Responsibilities

• Create and modify PLC programs for fiber optic cable production.
• Design and implement new control systems projects.
• Manage controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence mitigation projects.
• Implement robust, cost-effective automation and process machine control systems.
• Interface with external system integrators for integrated process equipment systems.
• Participate in all project phases including design, fabrication, off-line integration and testing, installation, production start-up support, training of plant personnel, and technology transfer.
• Independently oversee construction of equipment in vendors' facilities.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming and controls engineering.
• Ability to create and modify PLC programming.
• Experience with Siemens, GE, and SCADA systems.
• Ability to debug and monitor PLC code, particularly ladder logic.
• Experience with controllers and associated hardware, including PLC and I/O devices, motion control, communication protocols, field wiring, and disconnect devices.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to reach first principles understanding.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with demonstrated controls aptitude.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 1 year of experience with electro-mechanical devices such as servo motors, valves, and sensing devices.
• Knowledge of ANSI standards, NFPA, and NEC applicable Electrical Codes

Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Hickory, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $105000.00 - $130000.00/yr.
Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. \\ 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.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Hickory,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 30, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.