Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year, the company manufactures thousands of miles of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as medium low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice, video and data transmission for the telecommunication sector.
We are 30,000 employees, across 50+ countries. Everyone at Prysmian has the potential to make their mark; because whatever you do, wherever you are based, you will be part of a company that is helping transform the world around us.
Controls & Process Automation Engineer - Power the Technology Behind Our Fiber Manufacturing Future
If you're an engineer who loves automation, thrives on solving complex technical challenges, and wants to work with cutting‑edge manufacturing processes, this role puts you right at the heart of our innovation. As we continue to expand and modernize our fiber manufacturing operations, we're looking for a Controls & Process Automation Engineer who's ready to design, optimize, and elevate the systems that keep our production running at world‑class levels.
You'll work with advanced technologies across VAD, OVD, AVD, PCVD, preform production, and fiber draw operations - the core processes that define our industry leadership. This is a chance to make a direct impact on reliability, quality, efficiency, and automation across a rapidly growing facility.
Why This Role Matters
Reporting to the Facility & Maintenance Manager, you'll collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams to enhance equipment performance, stabilize processes, and drive automation improvements. Your work will directly influence product quality, throughput, and the long‑term modernization of our plant.
If you're energized by automation, data, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, you'll thrive here.
What You'll Work On
Automation & Control System Development

• Design, develop, modify, and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, and industrial network systems supporting fiber manufacturing.
• Build and refine automated control strategies for deposition, consolidation, draw towers, coating, curing, and material handling systems.
• Support AC/DC drives, servo systems, instrumentation, and closed‑loop control systems.

Process Optimization & Technical Support

• Monitor and optimize critical draw‑tower parameters such as tension, diameter control, coating application, curing performance, and line speed.
• Partner with Process Engineers and Operations to improve stability, yield, uptime, and product quality.
• Analyze process data to identify opportunities for automation upgrades, predictive maintenance, and performance improvements.

Troubleshooting & Field Support

• Provide hands‑on engineering support to maintenance teams for electrical, electronic, instrumentation, and automation issues.
• Use PLC programming tools and diagnostic systems to resolve failures and implement corrective actions.
• Interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, network diagrams, and instrumentation drawings.

Project Execution & Continuous Improvement

• Lead automation projects from scope development through design, procurement, installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Support equipment validations, process qualifications, and new product introductions.
• Maintain control standards, backups, change management procedures, and documentation.
• Manage external engineering and automation partners to ensure safe, high‑quality execution.

Data, Networks & Systems Integration

• Implement and maintain industrial communication networks, data acquisition systems, historian platforms, and reporting tools.
• Ensure all control programs, configurations, and recipes are backed up and current.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, or process engineering.
• Experience with optical fiber manufacturing (VAD, OVD, AVD, PCVD, preform, or draw) is a major plus.
• Advanced PLC programming skills (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, industrial networking, and process control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Familiarity with SPC, process capability, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Experience with CAD and electrical design tools.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledge of EH&S and industrial safety standards.

Why You'll Love Working Here
You'll join a team that's investing heavily in automation, modernization, and advanced manufacturing technologies. You'll have the opportunity to work with unique, high‑tech processes, influence major improvements, and help shape the future of our fiber operations.
If you're a hands‑on automation expert who loves solving problems, optimizing systems, and driving technical excellence, this is where you can make a real impact.
-----------------------------------------
Job Offer Fraud Alert
We take the security of our candidates seriously. Please be aware of job offer scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent our company.
Our company will **never**:

• Ask for payment, fees, or financial information at any stage of the recruitment process
• Request passwords, banking details, or copies of personal identification via email or text
• Extend a job offer without a formal interview process
• Communicate from non-company email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo)

All legitimate communications from our recruitment team will come from an official company email domain (ending in @prysmian.com).
If you believe you have been contacted regarding a fraudulent job offer or are unsure about the authenticity of a message, please contact us directly at [email protected].
Prysmian, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, aims to attract and recruit individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities. We strongly believe that diversity brings significant value at all levels of the organization, increasing the possibility of capturing market opportunities and maximizing value for our customers and stakeholders. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) as part of our Social Ambition 2030 and a strategic pillar of our Company culture, Prysmian is committed to the development of an organization that prioritizes talent, where people feel respected, included, and free to fully express their potential just as they are.
All Managers and HRs in Prysmian are responsible for ensuring DE&I policies are respected during the recruiting process, as well as recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases that must not influence our selection processes. All persons will be considered for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, origin, citizenship status, socio-economic status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, parental leave, medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Prysmian will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation for any disclosed physical or neurological condition or disability of a qualified applicant unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.
Visit our DE&I Page to learn more about Prysmian's commitments.
Your application data will be treated according to our Data Protection Policy. If you believe you require assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [email protected].