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Air Force Robotics Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Air Force Robotics information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do air force robotics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for air force robotics in Tennessee is $25.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $29.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Air Force Robotics?

An Air Force Robotics job involves developing, operating, and maintaining robotic systems used for defense, surveillance, and support missions. These roles can include working with autonomous drones, bomb disposal robots, and automated logistics systems. Personnel in this field may have backgrounds in engineering, computer science, or technical maintenance. Their work enhances mission efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness for the U.S. Air Force.

What does an Air Force Robotics do?

Daily responsibilities in Air Force Robotics often include designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting robotic systems, supporting unmanned aerial or ground vehicles, and ensuring integration with broader defense technologies. Team members regularly collaborate with other engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and operations personnel to test, deploy, and enhance mission-critical robotics solutions. They also participate in training sessions, update documentation, and may contribute to the development of new protocols to improve system effectiveness. The role is dynamic and can involve both hands-on technical work and strategic planning, providing varied experiences in fast-paced and mission-driven settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Air Force Robotics?

To excel in Air Force Robotics, candidates should have a solid background in robotics engineering, computer programming, and electronics, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), robotics control software, and cybersecurity protocols is highly beneficial, along with relevant security clearances. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are critical soft skills for success in dynamic military environments. These skills ensure robust and secure operation of robotic systems, supporting essential Air Force missions and technological innovation.

What is the easiest job to get into in the Air Force Robotics?

Entry-level positions in Air Force Robotics often include roles such as robotics technician or support specialist, which typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and basic technical skills. These roles may involve working with robotic systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting, and often serve as a stepping stone to more advanced positions requiring specialized training or certifications. Prior experience with electronics, programming, or mechanical systems can improve chances of entry.

What are popular job titles related to Air Force Robotics jobs in Tennessee?

For Air Force Robotics jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Air Force Robotics job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,317 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Controls Engineer (Power & Utilities)

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN • On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Overview
Job Title: Controls Engineer (Power & Utilities)
Location: Arnold AFB, Tennessee
Job Family Code: O-Engineering
Function/Branch: Engineering / Utilities
Directorate: Asset Management
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Pay Type: Exempt
Grade: L06 (OA0671)
Salary Range or Starting Hourly Rate: $75,000 - $94,000 /year
Overview
Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has a unique opportunity for a Controls Engineer to support critical national defense infrastructure at Arnold AFB, TN. As part of our Test Operations and Sustainment (TOS) II team, you will play a direct role in maintaining and modernizing the complex utility systems that power America's most advanced aerospace testing facilities.
Open to internal and external candidates
Job Summary
We are seeking a proactive and technically curious early career Controls Engineer to join our Power Control group. This entry-level role is designed for a motivated engineer eager to develop hands-on expertise in engineering, maintenance, and technical support of utility control and monitoring systems critical to our test facilities. Under the mentorship of senior engineers, you will split your time between office-based design/analysis and active, hands-on field testing. This role requires a strong willingness to learn, a proactive troubleshooting mindset, and a passion for working directly with industrial hardware in the field.
Job Duties:
  • System Support & Learning: Assist in supporting PLC/DCS platforms from vendors like GE, Schneider Electric, Rockwell, and ABB under senior engineering guidance
  • Utility Operations: Help maintain control systems for critical utilities, including electrical distribution, water/wastewater treatment, cooling water plants, and steam plants
  • Hands-on Fieldwork: Participate in field commissioning, instrumentation troubleshooting, and system testing alongside experienced technicians
  • Data & Metering: Assist with utility instrumentation and the optimization of our Schneider HMI-based meter reading and data collection systems
  • Lifecycle & Projects: Support capital investment projects through their lifecycle, contributing to design packages, drawings, and testing documentation
  • Compliance & Security: Learn and apply DoW network and cybersecurity directives to control systems under the guidance of our IT and security teams
  • Collaboration: Work closely with Instrument Technicians and Utility Supervisors to learn practical system maintenance and programming
  • It is a condition of employment to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:
  • NOTE: This posting is for engineers with less than 2 years of post-degree engineering experience
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret level security clearance and access to the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or progress toward obtaining it
  • Foundational knowledge or academic coursework in PLC programming concepts, industrial communication protocols, or feedback control systems
  • Classroom or internship exposure to programming environments (etc. MATLAB/Simulink, Rockwell Studio 5000, LabVIEW) or basic programming languages (Ladder Logic, C/C++, Python)
  • Familiarity with or interest in cybersecurity concepts, network segmentation, or operations system security
  • Strong communication skills and an eagerness to transition from academic concepts to real-world, industrial field engineering
  • Relevant internships, co-ops, or senior design project work in control systems, robotics, or automation will be highly valued

What We Offer
  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are
Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC's rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC's Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC's capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.
Join our Team!
U.S. Citizenship is required. At this time BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1b, F1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations and refers to the amount BNH is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time jobs will be adjusted based upon the number of hours agreed to work at location Tennessee: Arnold Air Force, TN.
$75,000 - $94,000 /year at Arnold Air Force Base, TN.
BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, and any other grounds for discrimination prohibited by applicable law.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.