Senior Staff Engineer, Controls

Role Purpose

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Senior Staff Engineer, Controls in Corning, NY. This is a full-time onsite role that typically works Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexibility as needed to support project objectives. Travel averages approximately 50%, although actual travel may increase or decrease depending on project phase and business needs. Travel is primarily domestic to support multiple locations, and international travel may be required. Relocation assistance is available. This role may also be based in Charlotte, Hickory, or Wilmington, NC depending on business needs.

If you're a senior controls engineer who's ready to stop executing someone else's plan and start owning the technical direction — Corning is where you do it. This position sits within Corning's MT&E Automation Controls Systems Engineering organization, where you'll serve as the senior technical authority on complex automation and capital projects at Corning manufacturing sites nationwide. You'll define control architectures, set integration requirements, direct contractors and system integrators, and shape how controls engineering is done across a growing portfolio of high-impact projects at one of the world's most innovative manufacturers. If you want real ownership, real scale, and the autonomy to lead — this role delivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering scope for automation and capital projects from concept development through design, build, installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Design, develop, and deploy integrated automation and machine control systems using PLC, HMI, SCADA, and related controls technologies.
• Define control architectures, functional specifications, and integration requirements that support manufacturing and process objectives.
• Provide technical direction for controls work executed by contractors, system integrators, machine builders, and internal project team members.
• Review and approve controls deliverables such as electrical schematics, panel layouts, PLC and HMI programs, network architecture, and integration documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex controls, programming, networking, and system integration issues during project execution and startup.
• Apply knowledge of process control, motion control, PID implementation, and industrial networking to improve equipment capability and project performance.
• Coordinate with project managers, manufacturing teams, process engineers, vendors, and other stakeholders across Corning locations to meet project objectives.
• Support commissioning, startup, training, and technology transfer as systems are handed off to plant teams.
• Mentor less experienced engineers, support controls best practices, and contribute to software and documentation standardization.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional, non-academic experience in industrial controls and automation engineering.
• Experience designing and implementing PLC-based machine or process automation systems in manufacturing, industrial automation, OEM, or system integration environments.
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC programming and familiarity with Siemens and Omron platforms.
• Experience with HMI and SCADA systems such as FactoryTalk View, Optix, Ignition, or iFix.
• Knowledge of MES/SCADA architecture, electrical schematics, ladder logic, industrial networking, and integrated system commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Must be available for significant travel, primarily domestic, to support project build, installation, and commissioning activities.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience leading controls scope for capital projects and directing technical work across contractors, machine builders, or system integrators.
• Knowledge of EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Profinet, or related industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with PID controls, advanced control implementation, motion control, robotics, or machine vision systems.
• Familiarity with Fanuc or ABB robot programming.
• Knowledge of IEC programming structures such as ladder logic, function block, structured text, or sequential flowchart.
• Experience supporting project scope, schedule, and budget coordination on larger engineering projects.