Sr. Controls Engineer

Sr. Controls Engineer

Corning's Optical Fiber and Cable division is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and commissioning of advanced automation systems for fiber manufacturing and cable processing equipment. This is a senior-level, project-driven role at the forefront of manufacturing automation — driving innovation in process control, material handling, and system integration that directly impacts product quality, safety, and throughput across Corning's fiber and cable operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end automation projects from concept through commissioning and production start-up, delivering integrated control systems — including PLCs, motion control, robotics, and vision systems — that meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
• Design and implement control solutions for fiber and cable manufacturing processes, including process control, material transformation and handling, measurement and inspection systems, and fail-safe/recovery sequences.
• Define control logic, analog/digital I/O requirements, system architectures, and functional safety requirements, including Safety Integrity Level (SIL) or Performance Level determination, design, and validation.
• Interface with external system integrators and machine builders to specify and deliver robust, cost-effective automation systems; develop specifications, validate concepts through testing, and ensure systems meet performance requirements.
• Provide production support, lead continuous improvement initiatives, mentor engineers and technicians in controls and system design, and collaborate cross-functionally with process engineering, IT, and operations teams.

Work Schedule and Travel Requirement:

Hours of work/work schedule/flex-time: 8am - 5pm 25% in North America. Limited international travel may be required.

Location: Concord, NC, Wilmington NC or Hickory, NC, Charlotte (Midland), NC

Experiences/Education - Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or an applicable discipline with demonstrated controls/electrical aptitude
• 8+ years of equipment/controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with Allen Bradley controllers — PLC, I/O devices, motion control, communication protocols, and field wiring
• Ability to generate, debug, and modify PLC code, including ladder logic
• Experience with machine functional safety design, including Safety Integrity Level (SIL) or Performance Level determination and validation
• Working knowledge of 6-axis robotics; ability to write and modify Fanuc Teach Pendant programs
• Experience with industrial vision systems and scanning devices
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for generating and interpreting electrical drawings
• Demonstrated ability to manage external system integrators and machine builders through design, build, and system integration
• Strong project management skills with experience leading automation and controls-focused projects in a matrixed team environment

Experiences/Education - Desired:

• Knowledge of ANSI standards, NFPA, and NEC electrical codes
• Knowledge of structured text programming
• Working knowledge of data analysis using Microsoft Excel and Access
• Performance Excellence training — Green Belt certification or higher
• Experience managing machine builders through later-stage system implementation

This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $105,994.00 - $145,743.00 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.

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. 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.