Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

Date: Sep 15, 2026

Location: Hickory, NC, US, 28601

Company: Corning

Requisition Number: 77981

**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.

Scope

Corning is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design and develop controls architecture for complex automated systems across our manufacturing and process development environments. You will work at the intersection of engineering, software, and hardware — collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors to deliver reliable, high-performance automation solutions. This role includes approximately 15% travel, with some international.

Key Responsibilities

• Design controls architecture and develop robust PLC/HMI code for automated equipment, ensuring alignment with process and quality requirements

• Collaborate with mechanical designers, controls technicians, and vendors to specify, select, and integrate controls hardware and software

• Design intuitive PC-based Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that provide effective machine control and clear operator feedback

• Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment performance; prepare written technical reports summarizing results

• Perform safety analyses and compliance assessments to identify risks and ensure adherence to applicable standards and regulatory requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Optics, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field

• 5+ years of engineering or manufacturing experience with a strong focus on automation controls, PLC/HMI programming, industrial instrumentation, machine integration, motion control, automated inspection, or test systems

• Experience with Omron, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens controls hardware and programming

• Experience with motion control systems or robotics

• Experience developing controls system architecture definitions and supporting documentation

• Experience specifying, selecting, and configuring controls hardware for complete control systems

Desired Qualifications

• Experience preparing controls drawings using AutoCAD or EPlan

• Experience writing PC-based applications in C++ or similar languages

• Experience integrating controls systems with SCADA and MES (Manufacturing Execution System) platforms

• Experience performing machine safety analysis

• Proficiency in Ladder Logic and Structured Text programming

• Experience leading technical projects or workstreams in a cross-functional engineering environment

• Experience working with large, geographically distributed project teams

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.

Nearest Major Market: Hickory