Automation Control Engineer

Company Description Our Solar business delivers industry-leading, U.S.-made solar components, leveraging state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing equipment to produce high-quality, reliable photovoltaic modules that meet the rapidly growing energy demands of the United States.

We are committed to strengthening America's domestic solar manufacturing capabilities and contributing to a sustainable, energy-independent power grid for generations to come. By joining our team, you will play an important role in advancing critical U.S. supply chains, driving manufacturing excellence, and delivering unmatched quality and reliability to our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of hardware and software for automation/intelligent equipment, including system architecture design, functional module implementation, and optimization.
• Utilize mainstream programming languages such as C++ and Python for software development, including equipment control, data acquisition, and interface communication tasks.
• Develop and debug machine vision systems, including image acquisition, image processing, and algorithm implementation/optimization (e.g., using OpenCV, Halcon, etc.).
• Program and develop control logic for common PLCs (such as Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, etc.), and support on-site installation, commissioning, and maintenance of automated systems.
• Collaborate with the team to design, implement, and continuously improve holistic solutions according to project requirements, and promote product iteration and upgrades.
• Prepare technical documentation (development specifications, debugging guides, operation manuals, etc.), and provide technical support to on-site production or customers.
• New technology/improvement development that leading the market and achieve Corning's low-cost/high-quality strategy.
• Partner with plant engineering for effective implementation of process or equipment / controls changes.
• Provide higher level engineering support for plant troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Be the technical leader in the plant for Stringer, Layup, Laminator, Framing & Potting stations with equipment engineers to optimize process/equipment interactions, optimize EL / IV/Hi-Pot testing process & robotics programing for continued efficiency, quality improvement.
• Train operators, shift leaders, managers, and other engineers.
• Report out the issues with professional data analysis and clear logical process.
• Project management leadership of project with intermediate scope, include but not limited to project planning, resources building, AR initiation, spending control, production scale up and project transferring.
• Keep close contact with Division Engineering and plant partners for timely communication and issue resolution, support the startup, ramp-up and capability setup of new equipment/process.
• Write technical Brief and Engineering documents, establish engineering or operational work instructions; develop training materials and provide direction to partner engineers and coach operators

Education & Experience

• BS/MS degree or above in Computer Science, Electronics, Automation, or related science and engineering disciplines, 5+ years’ experience on the position of Including software development, machine vision development, and engineering development.
• Solid background in software development, proficient in C++, Python, or other mainstream programming languages, and familiar with object-oriented programming concepts.
• Over 2 years of experience in machine vision development, with proficiency in platforms such as OpenCV, Halcon, or LabVIEW Vision being preferred.
• Capable of independently completing PLC programming (at least one mainstream PLC such as Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron) with hands-on project commissioning experience.
• Familiar with industrial automation system architectures, common industrial buses (e.g., Modbus, Profibus), and related interface communications.
• Strong communication skills and team spirit; self-motivated, and able to support on-site work, with a willingness to work overtime or travel when needed.

Required Skills 

• Proficiency in C++ and Python programming languages for software development, with a solid foundation in computer science principles and object-oriented programming.
• Hands-on experience in machine vision development, including but not limited to image acquisition, image processing, and algorithm implementation using platforms such as OpenCV, Halcon, or similar.
• Strong PLC programming skills, with the ability to independently design and commission control logic on mainstream PLC systems (e.g., Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron).
• Solid understanding of industrial automation systems, including hardware and software integration, industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus), and equipment control.
• Ability to work with engineering teams to develop, debug, and implement automation, process control, and vision solutions in a production environment.
• Experience in preparing technical documentation (such as development specifications, test reports, user manuals) and providing technical support to manufacturing or customers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to address technical challenges in process development, automation, or machine vision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a willingness to collaborate across departments and manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team; willing to travel and adapt to on-site technical support when needed.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Project management leadership of project with intermediate scope, include but not limited to project planning, resources building, AR initiation, spending control, production scale up and project transferring.

Desired Skills 

• Strong ownership of achieving plant goal

• Sense of urgency and creativity to handle project issues and adapt plan to meet objectives

• Flexibility to adapt to changing environment; be a change agent to help others through change

• Customer oriented; meets customer needs with quality results

• Positive working attitude in team

• Cross-cultural Sensitivity

• The range for this position is $102,700 – $178,800 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.