Sr. Controls Engineer

Sr. Controls Engineer

Location: Wilmington, NC, US, 28405 Concord, NC, US, 28026

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 78131

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.

Purpose

Controls Engineers develop, integrate, support, and improve electrical control and automation systems used in manufacturing. The role applies controls engineering principles to improve safety, quality, equipment reliability, process capability, productivity, and cost. Controls Engineers collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, maintenance, information technology, equipment suppliers, and other engineering resources to deliver safe, reliable, maintainable, and sustainable automation solutions. This Senior-level Controls Engineer serves as a senior technical resource for complex manufacturing automation systems and major engineering initiatives. This role involves leading difficult controls assignments, establishing technical direction, driving sustainable solutions, managing technical risk, mentoring other engineers, and contributing to controls standards and long-term automation strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and support of advanced PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion, vision, instrumentation, and safety control systems.
• Serve as the controls technical lead for capital projects, equipment upgrades, retrofits, and commissioning activities.
• Develop and maintain controls software and architectures using platforms such as Beckhoff TwinCAT and Allen-Bradley.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex equipment, process, and controls issues affecting safety, quality, reliability, and productivity.
• Partner with manufacturing, process, maintenance, IT, and engineering teams to identify and implement process and equipment improvements.
• Develop functional specifications, design standards, testing strategies, and technical documentation to ensure maintainable and scalable solutions.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to engineers, technicians, integrators, and equipment suppliers.
• Drive measurable improvements in process capability, reliability, safety, OEE, and lifecycle cost through innovative controls solutions.
• Evaluate technical risks and lead feasibility, validation, and technology-transfer efforts for new manufacturing systems.
• Support controls standardization and share best practices across manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

A completed Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline. 4+ years of relevant controls, automation, equipment, or manufacturing engineering experience. Hands-on experience developing, programming, testing, and commissioning PLC, HMI, and/or SCADA applications for industrial equipment.

Desired Technical Skills

Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/Studio 5000, Siemens, Omron, or similar industrial control platforms. Ability to program in both ladder logic and structured text. Experience with SCADA, motion control, servo systems, machine vision, robotics, and control-system integration. Ability to interpret electrical drawings, control schematics, and technical documentation. Experience using Python, MATLAB, C#, VB.NET, or similar tools for data analysis and automation. Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), PI Data Historian, or similar manufacturing information systems used for production data collection, visualization, reporting, and process analysis. Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or similar. Knowledge of NFPA, ANSI, IEC, and other applicable industrial safety and electrical standards. Knowledge of cable manufacturing process and equipment.

Desired Leadership and Collaboration Skills

Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, and project execution skills. Ability to lead complex technical assignments and operate with minimal direction. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and leadership organizations. Results-oriented approach with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Ability to mentor others, influence technical direction, and drive sustainable engineering solutions.

Location and Travel Requirements

The preferred location for this position is Wilmington, NC. Concord, NC is also available. Less than 25%. Travel will primarily be within North Carolina, particularly between Wilmington and Concord. Occasional international travel may be required.

Work Schedule

Typically 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Some off hours support may be required.

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.

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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.