Requisition Number: 78149
Role PurposeThe Vacuum Equipment Systems and Controls Engineer supports Corning's R&D environment by designing, programming, and integrating control systems for advanced vacuum and thin film processing equipment. This early-career role is centered on PLC/HMI programming, automation, and systems integration, with hands-on exposure to vacuum deposition and related technologies such as sputtering, plasma etching, and CVD. The role partners with cross-functional teams to translate process and equipment needs into reliable, safe, and effective control solutions in both cleanroom and non-cleanroom settings.
Key Responsibilities• Develop, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems, including logic design, I/O configuration, and commissioning
• Design and support HMI/operator interfaces for safe and reliable control of equipment and process sequences
• Lead systems integration across sensors, instrumentation, motion control, vacuum components, and related subsystems
• Support design, development, modification, and upgrade of vacuum and thin film processing equipment
• Integrate equipment controls with facility systems such as electrical power, cooling water, process gases, and exhaust
• Perform operational testing, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and control-system-level debugging
• Improve automation, process control, safety interlocks, repeatability, and equipment performance
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to translate process needs into practical control and equipment solutions
• Document equipment changes, software updates, wiring details, I/O, procedures, and test results
• Provide technical support and training on equipment control systems
• Work safely in cleanroom and non-cleanroom environments and support continuous improvement efforts
Experiences/Education - Required• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline
• 0-5 years of related experience; internships, co-ops, and academic project experience applicable
• Foundational knowledge of PLC programming such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or similar platforms
• Exposure to HMI development and operator interface design
• Understanding of systems integration principles including sensors, instrumentation, motion control, and industrial communication
• Exposure to electrical schematics, control panel design, and wiring documentation
• Familiarity with electrical CAD tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar
• Exposure to mechanical CAD tools such as SolidWorks or similar
• Understanding of integrating facility systems such as electrical, cooling water, gases, and exhaust into equipment design
• Ability to support testing, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and debugging on equipment systems
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary R&D setting
Experiences/Education - Desired• Internship, co-op, or professional experience in controls engineering, automation, or systems integration
• Exposure to vacuum equipment or thin film processing technologies such as sputtering, plasma etching, CVD, or related coating systems
• Exposure to semiconductor, fiber optic, optical packaging, or related high-tech equipment environments
• Experience working in cleanroom and non-cleanroom settings
• Willingness and aptitude to learn vacuum and thin film technologies in a hands-on engineering role
This position does not support immigration sponsorship. The range for this position is $70,818.00 - $97,375.00 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. 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.