Senior Controls Technician
Apply now »Date: Jul 24, 2026
Location: Concord, NC, US, 28026 Charlotte, NC, US, 28216 Hickory, NC, US, 28601 Wilmington, NC, US, 28405
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 76779
The company built on breakthroughs.
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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.
Overview
Corning's Optical Fiber & Cable (OFC) division is seeking a Controls & Automation Engineering Technician to join a cross-functional engineering team focused on the design, development, and implementation of automation systems for fiber manufacturing and cable processing equipment. In this role, you will support both new equipment development and existing production systems — contributing to automation solutions that span process control, material handling, and system integration across fiber draw, fiber processing, and cabling operations. This is a hands-on role for a technically experienced engineer who thrives on solving complex automation challenges in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Primary Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Integrate field devices for flow control, material handling, motion control, temperature control, and associated safety systems to deliver fully functional equipment platforms
- Collaborate with controls engineers to implement control sequence logic (time-based and event-based), fail-safe states, and equipment recovery sequences
- Interface with external system integrators and machine builders to support project deliverables throughout the equipment lifecycle
- Drive deployment of defined control architectures, standards, and system integration to satisfy manufacturing requirements
- Support project fabrication, offline integration and testing, installation, production startup, personnel training, and technology transfer activities
- Participate in engineering project teams to deliver robust, cost-effective automation and process machine systems to Corning manufacturing facilities
- Accurately scope, estimate, and complete assigned project work to agreed timelines once work scope is defined
- Normal Business Hours - 8am - 5pm
- Location: Charlotte (Midland), Wilmington, or Hickory, NC
- Estimate travel at 25%, depending upon specific project assignment. Travel may be required during installation, debug, and start-up as well as for routine interaction with Customers and Suppliers.
- International Travel: Possible based on project assignment
Required Qualifications
- Two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), Mechatronics, or a related discipline
- 10+ years of equipment and controls engineering experience
- Experience with PLCs, multiple programming languages, and methods — including ladder logic programming
- Fanuc Robot Teach Pendant programming experience
- Experience with smart cameras and barcode readers (Keyence, Cognex, or equivalent)
- Experience with HMI and graphical user interface design and implementation
- Understanding of electrical design practices, machine/motion control systems, electro-mechanical systems, robotics, and system integration
- Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and deliver fully integrated machine and motion control and automation systems in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with checkout and verification of electrical control panels
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, and/or Safety PLCs
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical CAD tools
- SCADA interface experience
- Computer vision system experience
- Knowledge of applicable electrical codes and standards: National Electric Code (NEC), NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, ANSI/IEC electrical symbols, and grounding and shielding best practices
- Experience working with external machine builders and system integrators through build and integration phases
Skills / Competencies
- Manages concurrent project tasks with clear accountability for scope, timeline, and deliverables
- Communicates technical status and findings clearly to cross-functional project teams, vendors, and site stakeholders
- Applies systematic troubleshooting and problem-solving to complex automation and controls challenges in a manufacturing environment
- Collaborates across engineering disciplines — controls, mechanical, IT, and process — to drive fully integrated automation solutions
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $70,719.00 - $97,239.00 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.
Nearest Major Market: Charlotte
Nearest Secondary Market: Concord