Automation Engineering Department Head

Corning Incorporated; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 147,107 - 202,273; Full time

Job summary

Corning Incorporated, located in Concord, NC, seeks a senior engineering leader to head the Fiber Processing Area and automation initiatives. You will lead engineers and technicians, set strategy, and drive automation roadmaps in partnership with Operations and R&D.

The role requires a BS in Engineering, 10+ years supervisory experience, and strong PLC/automation skills, with a focus on automating cells and processes across the facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Significant experience owning and working with automated cells.
• Strong functional understanding of PLCs and controls infrastructure.
• Experience with collecting and providing statistical analysis on large sets of data related to process performance.
• Successful technical project management, with evidence of progressive increase in responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop people.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct Engineers and Technicians in the Fiber Processing Area, Warehouse/Shipping, and automation.
• Establish and execute a portfolio of projects to deliver new products and process capabilities.
• Develop technical talent and institutionalize advanced understanding in core technology areas.
• Set strategy and ensure lean staffing models with Operations.
• Manage budgets and forecasts; participate in monthly reviews with finance.
• Coach teams to internalize learnings into Manufacturing & Engineering systems.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project management

Coaching & development

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Masters of Science (Engineering or equivalent)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

FANUC automation

Automation equipment

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.

We are powered by 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

Lead and direct a group of Engineers and Technicians that are responsible for the Fiber Processing Area (FPA), Warehouse/Shipping, and automated equipment across the facility. Establish, prioritize, & execute a project and process improvement portfolio that delivers new products and process capabilities to meet business objectives. Develop & deploy in‑depth technical talent that solves problems by creating and institutionalizing advanced understanding in core technology areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Objectively assess department needs to help ensure equipment can meet output requirements in all areas of the plant.
• Establish strategy & portfolio that brings engineering & innovation solutions to meet business needs.
• Partner with Operations to understand equipment performance requirements for automated equipment that translates to efficient and lean staffing models.
• Act as facility main POC on for all Automation and utilize MIE for new product/process transfers to establish an efficient integration into plant production. Partner with our Division Engineering & Technology groups to execute division strategy for 5‑year automation roadmap.
• Champion the use of key PEX and Project Management tools to help create rigor and structure to the execution of project and process improvements.
• Interpret business needs & incorporate them into project team goals. Integrate project details with management needs to form a well‑articulated & executable project direction. Engage with project leaders & stakeholders to clarify and adjust direction.
• Secure, motivate, and integrate people into project teams (direct reports & matrix team members) on critical opportunities and problems.
• Set expectations for the team to develop fundamental understanding & deep process knowledge. Coach & provide feedback on the approach. Drive teams to apply & institutionalize these learnings into Manufacturing & Engineering systems to ensure sustainability.
• Engage with Development to maintain awareness of technology inventory in R&D and externally. Be an advocate to pull in new technologies.
• Manage department and project budgets and forecasts and participate in monthly reviews with finance.
• Excel at managing formal people processes and informal people development. Provide coaching for broad & deep personal development of engineering team. Establish coaching relationships outside of immediate team for personal development.

Competencies (knowledge, Skills And Behaviors)

• Financial Analysis & Management (Engineering)
• Act with Integrity and Authenticity
• Champion Change and Flexibility
• Communicate and Engage – Matrix Management, establishing relationships
• Engineering Strategy Formation and Execution – Setting Objectives, Working with Ambiguity
• Leverage Talent, Technical Coaching, Assembling Talent
• Technology Deployment and Transfer
• Generation and protection of Intellectual Property

Experiences/Education: Required

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Minimum of 10+ years of engineering experience with supervisory responsibilities.
• Significant experience owning and working with Automated Cells.
• Strong functional understanding of PLCs and controls infrastructure.
• Experience with collecting and providing statistical analysis on large sets of data related to process performance.
• Successful technical project management, with evidence of progressive increase in responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop people.

Experiences/Education: Desired

• Masters of Science (Engineering or equivalent).
• FANUC specific experience preferred
• Subject matter expert on PLCs (Allen Bradley experience preferred), multiple programming codes, and overall controls infrastructure and integration.

Travel Requirements: minimal

Hours of work/work schedule/flextime: M‑F. 40+ hours including off hours

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $147,107.00 - $202,273.00 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 [e-mail].