
Sr. Controls Engineer
Required skills
- automation controls
- PLC/HMI programming
- industrial instrumentation
- machine integration
- motion control
- automated inspection
- test systems
- manufacturing applications
- Omron
- Allen-Bradley
Nice to have
- technical projects
- workstreams
- automation system elements
- cross-functional engineering
- manufacturing environment
- motion control systems
Role summary
Corning's Optical Communications segment seeks a Sr. Controls Engineer in Hickory, NC. This role involves developing control system architectures for automated systems by analyzing user requirements and mechanical designs. Responsibilities include PLC/HMI programming, motion control, machine integration, and designing HMIs. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and IT resources, debug equipment, and execute test plans. Requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 6-8 years of experience in automation controls, PLC/HMI programming, industrial instrumentation, and related manufacturing applications. Experience with Omron, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens hardware is required. Desired skills include C++, SCADA/MES integration, machine safety analysis, Ladder Logic/Structured Text, and AutoCAD/EPLAN. This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
Requisition Number: 78896
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
Sr. Controls Engineer analyzes user requirements, process design, and mechanical equipment design to develop controls architecture for automated systems. This role works closely with engineers and technicians to define and conduct experiments that support process technology development and solution design. The position also collaborates with internal and external subject matter experts to support project objectives and technical problem-solving, while applying controls theory to solve complex process control and monitoring challenges
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate process requirements into control system designs, methodologies, and documentation that ensure process quality.
- Produce clear controls architecture documentation to communicate requirements to internal teams, external partners, and vendors.
- Interface with vendors to evaluate and select components that meet equipment development needs.
- Develop robust code to deliver required functionality for equipment under development.
- Design intuitive PC-based Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that provide effective machine control and operator feedback.
- Partner with internal IT resources to implement network connectivity and permissions that support equipment functionality.
- Debug, modify, and improve new and existing equipment to support development activities.
- Work closely with mechanical designers and controls technicians to resolve issues and guide best practices.
- Coordinate with controls resources to keep hardware, software, and related documentation aligned through change management processes.
- Design and execute test plans to validate equipment performance and prepare written reports summarizing results.
- Perform safety analyses and compliance assessments to identify risks and ensure adherence to applicable standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Additional Information
- Location: Hickory, NC
- Work Hours/Work Schedule: 40+hours/week, Off shift support required as per the project's need.
- Travel: Approximately 15%, including some international travel
Experiences/Education - Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Optics, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 6–8 years of engineering or manufacturing experience, with strong experience in automation controls, PLC/HMI programming, industrial instrumentation, machine integration, motion control, automated inspection, test systems, or related manufacturing applications
- Experience leading technical projects, workstreams, or major automation system elements in a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing environment preferred
- Experience with Omron, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens controls hardware and programming
- Experience with motion control systems or robotics.
- Experience developing detailed controls system architecture definitions and supporting documentation.
- Experience specifying, selecting, and configuring compatible controls hardware for complete control systems.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, supported by advanced data analysis.
Experiences/Education - Desired
- Experienced in the preparation of controls drawings using AutoCAD or EPlan
- Experience writing PC based applications in C++ or similar languages.
- Experience producing controls systems that interface with SCADA and MES systems.
- Experience in performing machine safety analysis.
- Proficient with Ladder Logic and Structured Text programming.
- Experience working with large, geographically diverse project teams.
- Proficient in the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint).
- Strong understanding of computer operating systems.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $105,622.00 - $145,231.00 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 accommodations@corning.com.
Sample Corning interview questions
- 1
Connected Components in an Undirected Graph Determine the number of connected components in an undirected graph. Input: n = 4, edges = [[0,1],[2,3]] Output: 2 Explanation: The graph is split completely evenly into two distinct isolated components: nodes {0,1} and nodes {2,3}.
codingmedium - 2
Vertical Order Traversal Perform a vertical order traversal of a binary tree. Input: root = [1,2,3,4,5,6,7] Output: [[4],[2],[1,5,6],[3],[7]] Explanation: Traverses the tree maintaining column indices, seamlessly grouping nodes that share the exact same vertical alignment.
codingmedium - 3
Clone an Undirected Graph Clone an undirected graph. Input: adjList = [[]] Output: [[]] Explanation: Creates a new, deeply cloned graph containing only one single node with zero connected neighbors.
codingmedium - 4
Diameter of a Binary Tree Find the diameter of a binary tree. Input: root = [1,2] Output: 1 Explanation: The longest path is simply the single edge connecting the root node to its only child.
codingmedium - 5
Serialize and Deserialize N-ary Tree Serialize and deserialize an N-ary tree. Input: root = [1] Output: 1 Explanation: The tree only contains a root node, resulting in a minimal serialized string representation that can be accurately rebuilt.
codingmedium
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