Sr. Instrumentation and Controls Engineer (Wilmington, NC, US, 28405)

Requisition Number: 74081

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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 of Position:

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is a hands-on technical role supporting manufacturing operations for optical fiber winding and related processes. The primary mission is to apply controls and automation expertise to improve equipment reliability, process capability, safety, and productivity in an active manufacturing environment. This role is focused on controls software, system integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of existing equipment.

A successful candidate will develop a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment, work closely with operators and engineers, and provide practical, sustainable controls solutions using Beckhoff (TwinCAT) and Allen‑Bradley platforms.

This position is part of the Division Engineering organization within Corning Optical Fiber and Cable (OFC). The position may be based in Wilmington, NC, Midland NC, or Concord, NC and will require some travel to other OFC facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Support and improve existing manufacturing equipment through controls software development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC, motion control, and HMI code using Beckhoff TwinCAT and Allen‑Bradley platforms.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, process, maintenance, and IT teams to identify and implement equipment and process improvements.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of winding and fiber handling processes to enable effective, sustainable controls solutions.
• Document control logic, system changes, and operating standards to support long-term equipment maintainability.
• Interface with other Corning facilities to share solutions and support common controls platforms when applicable.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Controls, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, or related discipline)

Required Skills:

• 5 + years of relevant experience developing and supporting PLC-based control systems in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to program in both ladder logic and structured text
• Strong fundamental understanding of electrical design practices, control systems integration, controls architecture, PLCs, electro-mechanical drive systems, vision system, risk assessment and safety systems
• Experience with detailed analysis of large datasets using any popular codes (e.g., python, Matlab, Visual Basic, etc)
• 2 years of relevant Project Management experience (e.g., cost analysis, GANTT charts, etc.), but PMP certification is not required

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 25%. Nearly all of this travel would be within North Carolina, and some international travel may be required.

Hours of Work/Work Schedule/Flex-Time:

• Typically, 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday at the fiber plant. Some off-hours' support may be required to support 24/7 manufacturing operations.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $105,994.00 - $145,743.00 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.

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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.