• Controls Engineer

    Corning Incorporated (Hickory, NC)


    Controls Engineer

    **Date:** Nov 12, 2025

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

    **Company:** Corning

     

    Requisition Number: 71360

     

    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.

    Role Purpose:

    We are seeking a talented Controls Engineer to lead and participate in project teams focused on developing and implementing new manufacturing technologies. The purpose of these projects is to reduce costs, increase capacity, and improve product quality by leveraging a deep understanding of engineering principles. The role will involve managing the electrical and controls aspects of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence mitigation projects.

    Key Responsibilities:

    + Design and implement robust, cost-effective automation and process machine control systems.

    + Collaborate with external system integrators to deliver fully integrated process equipment systems at Corning’s facility.

    + Lead project phases, including design, fabrication, off-line integration/testing, installation, production start-up support, training for plant personnel, and technology transfer.

    + Independently monitor the construction of equipment at vendor facilities.

    + Ensure proactive safety measures for all equipment and processes, adhering to safety standards such as NEC and NFPA.

    + Troubleshoot and resolve process and equipment issues, ensuring smooth operations.

    Work Hours and Travel:

    + Standard hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

    + Informal 24/7 on-call support as the first-level Subject Matter Expert.

    + Occasional travel (less than 5%).

    Required Qualifications and Skills:

    Education and Experience:

    + Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Computer Science (BSCS) with 2+ years of manufacturing experience working with PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs. Other engineering degrees will be considered with relevant experience.

    T** **echnical Skills:

    + Experience programming Allen Bradley ControlLogix v20 systems or higher.

    + Proficiency in PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram).

    + HMI/SCADA programming experience (e.g., Red Lion, GE iFIX) in a plant environment, including higher-level communication protocols.

    + Ability to generate and interpret electrical drawings using AutoCAD Electrical 2015, including control panel layouts and schematics.

    + Strong understanding of electrical design practices, machine/motion control systems, Yaskawa servo and VFD programming, electro-mechanical systems, and communication protocols.

    + Knowledge of safety procedures, such as Lock-Out Tag-Out, and adherence to safety codes.

    Soft Skills:

    + Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.

    + Strong troubleshooting skills to reach a fundamental understanding of process issues.

    + Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

    + Ability to thoroughly carry out assignments to completion.

    Desired Skills:

    + Entrepreneurial mindset to design and conceive control systems never implemented before.

    + Visionary outlook with the ability to understand the big picture.

    + Knowledge of legacy control systems, networks, and software.

    + Experience with OSI PI (historian) interface.

    + Strong written and verbal communication skills.

     

    Why Join Us?

     

    This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge manufacturing technology projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and make a meaningful impact on cost efficiency, capacity growth, and product innovation.

     

    This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

     

    The range for this position is $105,070.00 - $144,471.00 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.

     

    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