Controls Engineer

Corning · Hickory, NC

Level: Engineer
Team: Controls
Base pay: $89k–$122k
Travel: 25%
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 5+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Corning (industrial) in Hickory, NC. As part of the OCS Technology Automation Development Group, the Controls Engineer will contribute to the development of advanced automation solutions that drive manufacturing innovation.

They ask for: 5+ years · degree required
Tools it names: PLC, Automation, AutoCAD
Base pay: $89k–$122k
Day to day: about 25% travel
Openings: 2 with this title at this site

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $106k–$145k. This one lists $89k–$122k.

Median of the low and high ends of 20 live postings that list pay, out of 51 controls engineer openings in North Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

North Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 50 other live controls postings in North Carolina.

Base pay: About 16% below similar roles
Experience asked: Typical (5+ years)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 78%
✓ PLC 69%
Robotics 37%
✓ AutoCAD 33%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 25%
Team leadership 24%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Python, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Corning
We found 2 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Scott → (free)
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 25% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Corning in Hickory

17 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in controls roles at Corning.

Automation Process Engineer · Controls
Operations Engineer · Production
Sr. Controls Engineer · Controls · Senior
Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
Sr. Process Engineer · Process · Senior
Laser Process Engineer · Process

All 18 roles at Corning →

Controls Engineer at Corning in other locations

Corning lists this title in 3 places. Pick the plant you can get to.

Wilmington, NC · $106k–$145k
Painted Post, NY · $89k–$122k

Full description from CorningAs posted on their careers site.Show

Key Responsibilities

◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate process and equipment

requirements

into controls designs and methodologies that support system performance and process quality.

✓Develop and maintain controls architecture documentation to communicate system requirements, design intent, and implementation details to internal stakeholders and external partners.
✓Interface with vendors and suppliers to evaluate, spec, and source electrical and controls system components that meet equipment performance, reliability, and cost objectives throughout the project lifecycle.
✓Design and implement user-friendly human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to provide effective control, monitoring, and feedback for machines and test equipment.
✓Troubleshoot, debug, and modify new and existing equipment to support development, testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement activities.
✓Support machine safety reviews and compliance assessments by identifying risks and helping ensure adherence to applicable standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.
✓Work within a cross-functional group including mechanical engineers, toolmakers, programmers, and electrical technicians to diagnose system issues and drive the development of a complete, functional solution.

Experiences/Education - Required

✓Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
✓Ability to travel up to 25% as needed to support equipment installation, startup, and commissioning activities.
✓Ability to read, review, and mark up electrical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
✓Foundational understanding of electrical engineering principles, including power distribution, electrical machinery, and machine safety concepts.
✓Working knowledge of applicable electrical codes and safety standards, including NFPA 70E, NEC, and UL 508A.
✓Ability to work safely with industrial power systems up to 480 VAC.
✓Proficiency with hand tools, multimeters, and standard electrical test equipment.
✓Strong attention to detail and ability to clearly document technical work.

Experiences/Education - Desired

✓3 to 5 years of professional experience as an electrical or controls engineer in an automation or industrial environment.
✓Experience in AutoCAD Electrical or other electrical CAD software.
✓Experience in automation equipment assembly, machine wiring, and commissioning.
✓Familiarity with PLC hardware and programming; experience with Omron Sysmac Studio is preferred.
✓Experience performing I/O checkout and basic troubleshooting on automated equipment.
✓Experience with programming languages such as C#, C++, or Python.
✓Familiarity with industrial communication networks such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and serial communication protocols.
✓Basic knowledge of servo drives, motion control hardware, sensors, and industrial instrumentation.
✓Familiarity with lockout/tagout and industrial safety systems.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $88,522.00 - $121,718.00 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.

Show full description ↓

Requisition Number: 76517

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.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, build, and commissioning of automation equipment within the OCS Technology Automation Development Group. This role works closely with controls engineers, mechanical engineers, and project managers to develop reliable automation systems that meet project objectives and performance requirements. The ideal candidate brings sound technical judgment, a fundamental understanding of electrical engineering principles, and the ability to manage assigned tasks effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment.

As part of the OCS Technology Automation Development Group, the Controls Engineer will contribute to the development of advanced automation solutions that drive manufacturing innovation. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, collaborating with experienced team members, and supporting the development of high-performance automated equipment.