Automation Engineer

Corning, Inc.; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 106,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Paid parental leave & family support

Life & disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Corning, Inc. in Tolleson, AZ is seeking an Automation Engineer to own the automation and integration of a solar module production line. You will coordinate with Equipment and Controls Engineers, MES, and suppliers to deliver safer, higher-throughput line performance.

You will lead projects from concept through FAT/SAT, troubleshoot MES-to-equipment interfaces, and translate Chinese-language documents while ensuring traceability and data integrity on a fast-paced manufacturing floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of automation or integration engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, including direct experience with solar PV module production lines.
• Demonstrated experience integrating automated equipment (material handling, conveyors, robots, vision systems) including line-level interlocks and machine-to-machine handshakes.
• Experience with MES-to-equipment communication, troubleshooting data, tracking, and handshake failures on a production line.
• Working knowledge of industrial networks and communications (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, serial) and diagnosing equipment network issues.
• Ability to read PLC logic and trace signals on Mitsubishi and/or Inovance systems, or comparable platforms.
• Experience leading automation projects through FAT/SAT and ramp-up, with external suppliers/integrators.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, I/O lists, equipment layouts, and process flow documentation.
• Familiarity with 8D, DMAIC, PDCA, 5 Why, FMEA with strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to spend substantial time on the manufacturing floor and work extended hours as needed.
• Ability to work in extreme heat, cold, and noise with PPE.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and up to 20 lbs frequently.

Responsibilities

• Own the automation and integration of the module line, including handoffs between cell handling, stringing, layup, lamination, framing, junction box, EL/IV test, and packaging stations.
• Design, specify, and implement automation that removes manual handling, reduces breakage and handling damage, and increases throughput.
• Lead machine-to-machine integration: handshakes, signal exchange, interlocks, flow control, and sequencing.
• Analyze line flow, cycle time, bottlenecks, and buffering to identify and deliver automation improvements that raise line throughput and balance.
• Lead automation projects through project lifecycle and hand off clear documentation to Equipment and Controls Engineers.
• Own communication between line equipment and the MES.
• Troubleshoot MES-to-equipment communication failures to resolve root cause.
• Define equipment data interfaces and signal mapping so new/modified equipment is MES-ready, and validate traceability and data integrity before release.
• Lead review/translation of Chinese-language integration documents with suppliers and translation resources.
• Produce English interface specifications, integration drawings, and line-level operating and troubleshooting guides.
• Act as technical point of contact with China-based suppliers and service teams.
• Lead root cause analysis for automation- and integration-related line stoppages; engage Equipment Engineers and Controls Engineers; set roadmap and priorities.

Job description

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.

Requisition Number: 79784 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 Solar business delivers industry leading, U.S.-made solar components. We manufacture hyper-pure polysilicon, high-quality solar wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, leveraging our leadership in advanced manufacturing to serve growing energy demand. You will be a part of advancing critical U.S. supply chains and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to customers.

Role Purpose

Corning’s solar module facility in Tolleson, AZ is seeking an Automation Engineer to own how our module line works as an integrated, automated system. Our line is built from equipment supplied by many different OEMs, and this role makes those machines work together: the material handling, robotics, conveyors, and vision systems that move product between stations, the handshakes and interlocks between machines, and the communication between line equipment and our MES. You will lead automation and integration improvements and projects, and resolve the cross-machine and equipment-to-MES issues that no single machine owner can solve alone. You will work alongside Equipment Engineers, who own the mechanical performance of individual machines, and Controls Engineers, who own PLC and HMI programs, standards, and operator interfaces, as well as Process Engineering, Quality, IT, Maintenance, and equipment suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the automation and integration of the module line, including the handoffs between cell handling, stringing, layup, lamination, framing, junction box, EL/IV test, and packaging and palletizing stations.
• Design, specify, and implement automation that removes manual handling, reduces breakage and handling damage, and increases throughput
• Lead machine-to-machine integration: handshakes, signal exchange, interlocks, flow control, and sequencing
• Analyze line flow, cycle time, bottlenecks, and buffering to identify and deliver automation improvements that raise line throughput and balance.
• Lead automation projects through project lifecycle and hand off clear documentation to Equipment and Controls Engineers.
• Own the communication between line equipment and the MES
• Troubleshoot MES-to-equipment communication failures to resolve root cause.
• Define equipment data interfaces and signal mapping so new and modified equipment is MES-ready, and validate traceability and data integrity before release.
• Lead the review and translation of Chinese-language integration documents, using equipment suppliers and translation resources.
• Produce English interface specifications, integration drawings, and line-level operating and troubleshooting guides.
• Act as the technical point of contact with China-based suppliers and service teams.
• Lead root cause analysis for automation- and integration-related line stoppages; engage Equipment Engineers for mechanical issues and Controls Engineers for PLC and HMI program changes, and own the cross-machine solution. Work with equipment suppliers and integrators Mentor Equipment Engineers, Controls Engineers, and technicians and help set the automation roadmap and project priorities. Ensure integrated areas, robot cells, and conveyor interfaces are safeguarded and risk-assessed.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; equivalent directly relevant experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of automation or integration engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment, including direct experience with solar PV module production lines.
• Demonstrated experience integrating automated equipment, such as material handling, conveyors, robots, and vision systems, including line-level interlocks and machine-to-machine handshakes.
• Experience with MES-to-equipment communication, including troubleshooting data, tracking, and handshake failures on a production line.
• Working knowledge of industrial networks and communications (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, serial) and the ability to diagnose equipment network issues.
• Ability to read PLC logic and trace signals on Mitsubishi and/or Inovance systems, or comparable platforms, and to specify and validate changes with Controls Engineers.
• Experience leading automation projects through FAT/SAT and ramp-up, and working with external equipment suppliers and integrators.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, I/O lists, equipment layouts, and process flow documentation.
• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, PDCA, 5 Why, FMEA), with strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to spend substantial time supporting the line on the manufacturing floor, and to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays as operational needs require.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to extreme heat, cold, and noise; must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Physical ability to perform prolonged standing, walking, lifting, and climbing; ability to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally and up to 20 lbs frequently.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Mandarin language proficiency (bilingual in Mandarin and English) is helpful, but not required, for working with Chinese-language documentation and China-based equipment suppliers.
• Hands-on experience with module equipment such as tabber-stringers, layup, laminators, EL and IV testers, framing and junction-box equipment, and packaging and palletizing systems.
• Experience programming or commissioning industrial robots and machine vision systems.
• Experience with SCADA, historians, OPC connectivity, or data tools such as SQL, Python, or Power BI.
• Experience with line balancing, simulation, or throughput modeling.
• Knowledge of machine safeguarding and robot cell risk assessment.
• Lean or Six Sigma training, and experience developing or delivering technical training content.

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, Corning provides company matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan of up to 4% of pay when you contribute at least 6% of pay.
• 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.

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 [e-mail].