Automation Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
Automation Engineer jobs in North Carolina are in strong and growing demand, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and semiconductor fabrication, with openings at every level from entry-level controls technician to senior systems architect. The heaviest hiring activity is centered in the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro-Winston-Salem corridors, where companies like Honeywell, Siemens, and Merck have deep, lasting footprints. The most sought-after specialties are PLC programming, robotics integration, and process automation for life sciences and discrete manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Requisition Number: 79737
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
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.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
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.
Role Purpose
Help shape the next generation of manufacturing equipment at Corning. You'll take ideas from concept to working prototype, from benchtop and lab-scale tools to fully automated systems. You'll do this in small, multidisciplinary technical teams focused on safe, reliable, and innovative equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with business leaders and end users to define equipment needs for benchtop systems, semi-automated stations, and fully automated cells.
Generate, evaluate, and select concepts based on engineering principles, and present them in design reviews.
Design, build, and test prototypes and subsystems that integrate mechanical, electrical, motion, vision, and software components.
Support the teams that industrialize and deploy new technology into manufacturing, and document novel designs and intellectual property.
Model safe work practices to help keep a safe environment for colleagues.
Travel Requirement
- Travel up to 15%, typically in concentrated periods every 1–2 years.
Experiences/Education - Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field
6+ years of experience in a design or development environment
Training in engineering mechanics and electrical circuits
Training or experience in programming
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Experiences/Education - Desired
Master's degree in a relevant discipline
Knowledge of materials handling and automated assembly
Electrical or electronics design and motion control
Basic optics and opto-mechanics
Machine vision
Strong foundation in mathematics or physics
MATLAB and/or Python
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $101,784.00 - $139,953.00 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.
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.
Requisition Number: 79737
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
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.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
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.
Role Purpose
Help shape the next generation of manufacturing equipment at Corning. You'll take ideas from concept to working prototype, from benchtop and lab-scale tools to fully automated systems. You'll do this in small, multidisciplinary technical teams focused on safe, reliable, and innovative equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with business leaders and end users to define equipment needs for benchtop systems, semi-automated stations, and fully automated cells.
Generate, evaluate, and select concepts based on engineering principles, and present them in design reviews.
Design, build, and test prototypes and subsystems that integrate mechanical, electrical, motion, vision, and software components.
Support the teams that industrialize and deploy new technology into manufacturing, and document novel designs and intellectual property.
Model safe work practices to help keep a safe environment for colleagues.
Travel Requirement
- Travel up to 15%, typically in concentrated periods every 1–2 years.
Experiences/Education - Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field
6+ years of experience in a design or development environment
Training in engineering mechanics and electrical circuits
Training or experience in programming
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Experiences/Education - Desired
Master's degree in a relevant discipline
Knowledge of materials handling and automated assembly
Electrical or electronics design and motion control
Basic optics and opto-mechanics
Machine vision
Strong foundation in mathematics or physics
MATLAB and/or Python
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $101,784.00 - $139,953.00 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.
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.
See All 124+ Automation Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
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Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Construction & Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency with industrial robotics integration and SCADA or HMI system configuration
- Familiarity with GMP environments preferred for pharmaceutical and life sciences manufacturing roles
- Knowledge of instrumentation, process control loops, and control panel design and commissioning
- Strong troubleshooting skills for automated production lines in high-volume manufacturing settings
Automation Engineer Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in North Carolina?
Most automation engineer roles in North Carolina require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program. North Carolina does not require a state-specific license for the automation engineer title itself, but roles in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals or utilities may expect a Professional Engineer license issued through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Certifications from organizations such as ISA in control systems or robotics strengthen candidacy significantly.
How much do automation engineers make in North Carolina?
Automation engineers in North Carolina earn a median of about $112,450 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,130 for the lowest 10% to over $173,370 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in North Carolina?
Employers hiring automation engineers in North Carolina right now include Hoffman & Hoffman, Siemens, and Corning, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. North Carolina's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Research Triangle and large-scale discrete manufacturers near Charlotte means demand is consistent across both regulated and non-regulated production environments.
Which North Carolina cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham account for the largest share of automation engineer openings in North Carolina. Charlotte draws heavy demand from advanced manufacturing and energy companies headquartered there, Raleigh-Durham is anchored by pharmaceutical and semiconductor operations in the Research Triangle, and Greensboro and Winston-Salem generate steady openings from food processing and aerospace suppliers concentrated in the Piedmont Triad.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline requiring physical presence on production floors, in control rooms, or at client sites for commissioning and troubleshooting. About 40% of automation engineer openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to cover design, programming review, or project management responsibilities that don't require daily on-site work.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a controls or instrumentation technician role at one of North Carolina's large manufacturers, particularly in the pharmaceutical corridor around Durham and Raleigh or the automotive supply chain near Charlotte. Community colleges like Wake Tech and Central Piedmont offer applied automation and mechatronics programs that large employers recognize. An ISA Certified Control Systems Technician credential and demonstrated PLC lab work or a capstone project give candidates without industry experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 124+ Automation Engineer Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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