• Controls Engineering Supervisor

    Corning Incorporated (Hickory, NC)


    Controls Engineering Supervisor

    **Date:** Jan 12, 2026

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

    **Company:** Corning

     

    Requisition Number: 72698

     

    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 dynamic and experienced **Controls Engineering Supervisor** to lead and inspire a team of Controls Engineers and Technicians. This role involves providing indirect leadership to Process Engineering and Maintenance teams while driving continuous improvement in safety, cost, capability, and systems through innovative technologies and sound engineering principles. You will spearhead improvement projects for existing and new processes, enhancing manufacturing performance in safety, quality, and cost.

    Key Responsibilities:

    + Lead and manage the controls team to meet project deadlines and achieve business objectives.

    + Collaborate with Process Engineering and Maintenance teams to align goals and timelines effectively.

    + Oversee capital forecasting for capacity expansion, capability upgrades, and obsolescence management.

    + Drive standardization of PLC coding, electrical schematics, and engineering best practices.

    + Establish and maintain standards for components like motors, drives, and sensors.

    + Develop and modify Allen Bradley PLC programs for fiber optic cable production.

    + Design and implement innovative control systems and automation projects.

    + Lead critical business initiatives to ensure proper oversight and execution.

    + Integrate cost-effective automation and machine control systems into manufacturing processes.

    + Partner with external system integrators to deliver integrated process equipment solutions.

    + Mentor maintenance staff on controls fundamentals and systems.

    Work Schedule:

    + Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

    + On-call support as needed (3rd Level Subject Matter Expert).

    Travel:

    + Less than 1%.

    Education & Experience:

    + Bachelor's degree in engineering or a technical field.

    + 5+ years of manufacturing or related experience with a focus with PLCs, HMIs, and/or VFDs.

    + Proven ability to guide and influence teams directly and indirectly.

    Required Skills:

    + Strong leadership skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams.

    + Expertise in PLC programming, including ladder logic, structured text.

    + Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for creating and interpreting electrical drawings, control panel layouts, and schematics.

    + Exceptional troubleshooting skills for process and controls-related issues.

    + Experience programming HMI/SCADA systems with higher-level communication protocols.

    + Solid understanding of electrical design practices, motion control systems, VFD/Servo programming, and communication protocols.

    + Commitment to safety standards (NEC, NFPA) and procedures like Lock-Out Tag-Out.

    + Ability to independently execute projects with thoroughness and precision.

    Desired Skills:

    + Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to design novel control systems.

    + Strategic vision and the ability to see the big picture.

    + Familiarity with legacy controls equipment, networks, and software.

    + Experience with OSI PI (historian) interface and Beckhoff PLCs.

    + Function block diagrams experience

    + Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

     

    Join our team and take the lead in shaping the future of manufacturing through innovative engineering and automation solutions. Apply today!

     

    This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

     

    The range for this position is $126,041.00 - $173,307.00 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.

     

    **Nearest Major Market:** Hickory