Controls Engineer III

Corning Incorporated; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 105,994 - 145,743; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-wide bonuses

Fully employer-paid pension benefit

Comprehensive health benefits

Job summary

Corning Incorporated in Newton, North Carolina, seeks an Automation Engineer to lead design and development for cable manufacturing control systems. The role includes troubleshooting complex automation issues and supporting innovation while mentoring junior team members.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and over 4 years of manufacturing experience with PLC programming. The position offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of manufacturing experience with HMI/SCADA programming.
• Ability to debug and modify PLC code and electrical drawings.
• Proactive approach to safety, applying NEC and NFPA codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead problem solving and troubleshoot process issues.
• Design and implement cost-effective automation control systems.
• Mentor junior controls engineers and manage project scopes.

Skills

HMI/SCADA programming

PLC programming

Electrical design practices

Communication protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

AutoCAD Electrical 2021

Job description

Purpose

Responsible for the design, development, programming, implementation, and optimization of control systems supporting Corning’s cable manufacturing processes. This role provides controls and electrical engineering expertise to improve product, process, and equipment performance, support innovation, and enable new product introduction within the plant. It requires advanced technical leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, integrating systems, and improving equipment reliability, safety, and efficiency. The position also leads projects that drive root‑cause understanding, cost reduction, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration while mentoring junior team members and monitoring emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead problem solving and technical troubleshooting to resolve short‑term process and equipment issues.
• Design, create, modify, and implement robust, cost‑effective automation and process machine control systems (e.g., Allen Bradley PLC programs) for fiber‑optic cable production.
• Mentor and train junior controls engineers.
• Manage the controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence mitigation projects.
• Interface with external system integrators to deliver fully integrated process equipment systems, participating in design, fabrication, off‑line integration, testing, installation, production start‑up support, and training of plant personnel.
• Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and other plant functions to troubleshoot line issues and complete project assignments in a team environment.
• Participate in an on‑call rotation, providing support during nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Work Hours and Schedule

• Nominal working hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
• Informal 24/7 coverage for ad‑hoc call‑in support (third‑level subject‑matter expert).

Travel

Less than 1 %

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology.
• 4+ years of manufacturing experience with HMI/SCADA programming: PLCs/HMIs/VFDs controlling process and automation equipment, including higher‑level communication protocols (e.g., Allen Bradley ControlLogix v20 or higher).
• Strong knowledge of electrical design practices, machine/motion control systems, electro‑mechanical systems, VFD and servo programming, communication protocols, and practical application.
• Ability to generate, debug, and modify PLC code (ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram) and to produce and interpret electrical drawings using AutoCAD Electrical 2021 for control panel layouts, component documentation, and schematics.
• Proactive approach to safety, applying NEC, NFPA, and other safety codes; ensures Lock‑Out Tag‑Out procedures are followed.

Desired Skills

• Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix v20 systems.
• Experience with OSI PI historian interface.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset; capable of conceiving and designing innovative control systems and articulating the bigger picture.

Compensation and Benefits

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

Salary range: $105,994.00 – $145,743.00 (full‑time status).

• Company‑wide bonuses and long‑term incentives tied to key business results.
• Fully employer‑paid pension benefit with fixed contributions and matching 401(k) contributions.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and wellness benefits, including paid parental leave, family building support, fitness programs, life insurance, disability insurance, disease management, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Recognition program celebrating successes and rewarding exceptional contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 [e-mail].