Building Automation System Programmer Jobs in Hickory, NC

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.

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.

As a Senior Automation Process Engineer, you will own that definition across an entire multi‑station automation system, building process confidence through first‑principles reasoning, modeling, simulation, and targeted experimentation before production equipment ever exists. This role is ideal for engineers who want deep technical ownership of a complex system combined with the opportunity to formally lead and develop a small team of process engineers.

• Own and integrate process requirements across a multi‑station automation system — including method, material transformation, sequencing, timing, tolerances, operating windows, and station interfaces — ensuring completeness and alignment with overall system goals
• Lead process concept evaluation and down‑selection; identify critical knowledge gaps and drive closure through engineering analysis, modeling, simulation, and targeted experimentation
• Mature and validate process understanding — including throughput, yield, and operating windows — to the level required to support production system design and supplier implementation
• Convert validated development learning into process requirements and specifications that drive production equipment design; review supplier concepts and participate in cross‑functional design‑path approval
• Directly supervise two Automation Process Development Engineers; provide technical direction to broader project engineering teams and serve as the senior process voice in technical reviews and decision forums

• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Industrial, or Automation Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Physics, or a related technical discipline with 5–7 years of relevant engineering experience; or MS with 3–5 years of relevant experience
• 2+ years experience demonstrating definition, maturation, and validation of process requirements for automated or precision‑engineered systems
• Ability to reason from first principles, analogy, engineering analysis, and limited data to drive technically credible decisions before full empirical operating data is available
• 2+ years experience using modeling, simulation, engineering analysis, or structured experimentation to mature process understanding
• Comfortable directing and personally performing hands‑on adjustments to prototype and development equipment using controls, software interfaces, hand tools, and alignment fixtures
• 2+ years experience providing technical direction to engineers and reviewing their technical outputs for quality and completeness
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise technical contributors, including assigning work, coaching, and supporting employee development
• Experience working across process, systems, discipline engineering, and supplier boundaries
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline
• Experience leading process development across multi‑station or system‑level automation projects
• Previous formal or informal supervisory experience for engineers or technical professionals
• Understanding of tolerancing, alignment sensitivity, repeatability, and mechanical error budget concepts
• Exposure to automated manufacturing systems, pilot systems, advanced equipment development, precision automation, or high‑speed automation environments
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for engineering analysis or simulation
• Familiarity with structured experimentation methods such as DMAIC, Design of Experiments (DOE), Five Six Sigma, or equivalent

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $124,996.00–$171,870.00 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.

Corning offers you the total package.

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
• 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.