Automation Controls Engineer

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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 Role

Corning Incorporated is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to join our Automation Engineering group in Concord, NC. In this role, your main responsibility is to ensure that complex manufacturing equipment and processes meet daily production requirements in terms of safety, quality and reliability. Monitor process attributes daily, initiate and verify responses throughout the support chain. Champion continuous improvement activities, including implementation of new technology and fundamental process understanding, in support of cost reduction and quality improvement projects.  Seek out and implement cost reduction opportunities. Consult and advise on projects you are not directly involved in and provide coaching / mentoring to others in Automation Engineering.  Candidates should be versed in various controls platforms, and electrical engineering principles. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide electrical controls support for a 24/7 manufacturing environment — troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues, isolate root causes, and validate corrective actions with measurable results
• Create and manage project plans including scope, schedule, cost estimates, and acceptance criteria for assigned automation engineering projects
• Track daily production and quality metrics, own key attribute performance, and maintain dashboards and trend tools to support operational decision-making
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives including new technology implementation, automation upgrades, and cost reduction projects
• Partner with Operations, IT, Facilities, Project Engineering, and Quality Engineering (QE) teams to resolve equipment issues and drive process performance improvements
• Coach and mentor automation engineering team members on machine controls, programming, and safe operating practices

Work Location, Hours and Travel Requirements

• Location: Concord, NC
• Standard business hours, Monday–Friday; flexibility required for off-hours.
• Less than 5% domestic travel in support of project objective

Experiences/Education - Required

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technology degree
• 5+ years of controls or equipment engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Subject matter expertise in Allen Bradley controllers including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), I/O devices, motion control, communication protocols, and field wiring; ability to generate, debug, and modify PLC code in ladder logic and structured text
• Knowledge of IEC 61131 programming methodology, closed-loop control systems, PID tuning, and AC/DC electrical theory
• Experience with electro-mechanical devices including servo motors, valves, sensing devices, and conveyors; experience with industrial vision systems and scanning devices
• Working knowledge of robotics and ability to write and modify Fanuc Teach Pendant programs; ability to generate and interpret electrical drawings using AutoCAD Electrical
• Familiarity with National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI standards, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) electrical codes, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) safety procedures

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Knowledge of Beckhoff TwinCAT
• Experience leveraging external suppliers and system integrators for process equipment design, build, and integration
• Experience with data analysis using Microsoft Excel or Access
• Six Sigma or Performance Excellence training (Green Belt or higher)
• Knowledge of electrical grounding and shielding principles

Skills and Comptences

• Identifies root causes of process variation and implements corrective actions with data-driven, measurable outcomes
• Manages multiple projects and priorities effectively in a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Collaborates across functional teams — Operations, IT, Facilities, Engineering, and QE — to deliver shared equipment and process goals
• Communicates technical findings and project status clearly to engineering peers and plant leadership

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. 

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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 corningjobs.corning.com .