Automation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Create and modify PLC programs for fiber optic cable production.
• Design and implement new control systems projects.
• Manage controls engineering scope of process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence mitigation projects.
• Implement robust, cost-effective automation and process machine control systems.
• Interface with external system integrators for integrated process equipment systems.
• Participate in all project phases including design, fabrication, off-line integration and testing, installation, production start-up support, training of plant personnel, and technology transfer.
• Independently oversee construction of equipment in vendors’ facilities.

Requirements

• Proficiency in PLC programming and controls engineering.
• Experience with Siemens, GE, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with controllers and associated hardware, including PLC and I/O devices, motion control, communication protocols, field wiring, and disconnect devices.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to reach first principles understanding.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with demonstrated controls aptitude.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 1 year of experience with electro-mechanical devices such as servo motors, valves, and sensing devices.
• Knowledge of ANSI standards, NFPA, and NEC applicable Electrical Codes.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $105,000.00 - $130,000.00/yr. Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well.

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.

About the Role

We are seeking a talented Automation Engineer to join our team, focusing on creating and modifying PLC programs for our fiber optic cable production plant. You will design and implement new control systems projects, manage controls engineering scope for process improvement, capital expansion, and obsolescence mitigation projects. Your work will involve implementing robust, cost-effective automation and process machine control systems and interfacing with external system integrators to deliver fully integrated process equipment systems.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with demonstrated controls aptitude.
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 1 year of experience with electro-mechanical devices such as servo motors, valves, and sensing devices.
• Knowledge of ANSI standards, NFPA, and NEC applicable Electrical Codes.

Preferred:

• Experience with Siemens, GE, and SCADA systems.
• Experience with controllers and associated hardware, including PLC and I/O devices, motion control, communication protocols, field wiring, and disconnect devices.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to reach first principles understanding.

Skills

Proficiency in PLC programming and controls engineering.

Benefits

Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well.

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.

Schedule

This is a Permanent position based out of Hickory, NC.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $105,000.00 - $130,000.00/yr.

Location

This is a fully onsite position in Hickory, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.