Engineer, Vacuum Equipment Systems & Controls

Corning•City of Corning, NY

12d•$70,818 - $97,375•Onsite

About The Position

The 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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