1

Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

929 - Automation Controls Engineer

Pulaski, TN ยท On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

Controls Automation Engineer We are currently seeking a Controls Automation Engineer to join our team at DRIVE. The Controls Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and ...

Automation & Controls Engineer

La Vergne, TN ยท On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

Qualifications: * BS/AS Degree in Engineering discipline and/or relevant experience in lieu of degree * 5+ years of Industrial Automation experience * Experience with various controls platforms ...

Controls Engineer

Cookeville, TN ยท On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods. A Controls Engineer creates ...

Controls Engineer

Cookeville, TN ยท On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods. A Controls Engineer creates ...

Controls Engineer

Cookeville, TN ยท On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods.A Controls Engineer creates electrical ...

Controls & Automation Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$80K - $106K/yr

As a Controls & Automation Engineer, you will be part of the Engineering Department supporting manufacturing operations and automation projects. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills ...

This Controls Engineering role designs, programs, debugs, and supports automated systems and automation equipment used in production. This role provides electrical design input, contributes to ...

Be Seen First

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineer Position in Nashville Suburb Develop machine controls for industrial automation. Control systems will be highly integrated with manufacturing execution systems. Work includes ...

Be Seen First

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineer Position in Nashville Suburb Develop machine controls for industrial automation. Control systems will be highly integrated with manufacturing execution systems. Work includes ...

Controls Engineer II

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

About the Team At Spring Automation, our mission is to design, build, and install controls systems ... About the Role The Controls Engineer supports and leads controls engineering efforts across ...

Controls Engineer

La Vergne, TN ยท On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Automation/Manufacturing Engineering Reports To : Engineering Manager Employment Type : Full-Time, Exempt / Salaried Position Summary The Controls Engineer leads the design, programming, integration ...

Controls Engineer

La Vergne, TN ยท On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Automation/Manufacturing Engineering Reports To : Engineering Manager Employment Type : Full-Time, Exempt / Salaried Position Summary The Controls Engineer leads the design, programming, integration ...

... Controls Engineer to design, develop, implement, and maintain industrial automation and OT connectivity solutions. In this role, you will be primarily responsible for programming and commissioning ...

Controls Engineer

Rossville, TN ยท On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Position: Controls Engineer Reports to: Manager, Electrical & Controls We are looking for a ... You will be involved in commissioning, testing, programing of automation, instrumentation, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$41.8K

$89.1K

$127.5K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Tennessee is $89,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What does an automation controls engineer do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges automation controls engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Automation Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Automation Controls Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in TN?

For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,115 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

929 - Automation Controls Engineer

Drive

Pulaski, TN โ€ข On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Controls Automation Engineer

We are currently seeking a Controls Automation Engineer to join our team at DRIVE. The Controls Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automation controls systems for our manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and implement automation controls systems for manufacturing equipment
  • Program PLCs, HMIs, and other control devices
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automation controls systems
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation controls systems into production processes
  • Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in automation controls engineering
  • Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI design
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

#hc262389