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Automation Controls Jobs in Chattanooga, TN (NOW HIRING)

Controls Automation Engineer

Dalton, GA

$74K - $98K/yr

Job Title Controls Automation Engineer Position Overview . Join a team where innovation meets realworld impact. We're looking for a driven Automation Engineer to become a key part of our Divisional ...

Controls Technician

Chattanooga, TN

$27.25 - $36/hr

Troubleshoot and repair electrical, controls, and automation systems on asphalt plants, pavers, milling machines, and other mobile equipment. * Diagnose issues involving PLCs, HMIs, sensors, VFDs ...

Principal Controls Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

The Principal Controls Engineer leads the design and implementation of complex automation systems for capital projects, major upgrades, and brownfield improvements while providing technical ...

New

Controls & Electrical Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

This role will focus heavily on PLC programming, electrical controls design, automation integration, and plant process improvements. The Controls & Electrical Engineer will partner closely with ...

You will also help standardize control architectures to enable reuse across machines and support future automation platforms. Key Responsibilities Controls Development & System Architecture * Design ...

You will also help standardize control architectures to enable reuse across machines and support future automation platforms. Key Responsibilities Controls Development & System Architecture * Design ...

Research Automation and Controls materials and best practices. * Understand and design wiring diagrams for new and existing equipment as needed. * Design and troubleshoot both software and hardware ...

Technical expertise in industrial automation and controls * Strong troubleshooting and analytical thinking * Effective communication and collaboration with plant teams * High attention to detail and ...

Controls Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Controls Engineer Work Location: Dalton, GA 30721 Duration: Full-Time/Direct hire Shift: 8am - 5pm ... Draft and update complete electrical schematics, engineering control documents, and automation ...

Collaborate with stakeholders in manufacturing, industrial automation, controls, power distribution, or OEM-related environments to ensure the EPLAN implementation meets operational needs. * Deliver ...

Collaborate with stakeholders in manufacturing, industrial automation, controls, power distribution, or OEM-related environments to ensure the EPLAN implementation meets operational needs. * Deliver ...

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Automation Controls information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$41.9K

$89.4K

$127.9K

How much do automation controls jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls in Chattanooga, TN is $89,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $100,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are automation controls?

Automation controls refer to the systems and devices used to manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems in industrial and manufacturing processes. These controls typically include hardware and software components such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, and actuators. The primary goal of automation controls is to increase efficiency, safety, and reliability while reducing manual intervention and operational costs. People working in automation controls design, program, install, and maintain these systems across various industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

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

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, PLC programming, and industrial automation, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools and systems like Siemens, Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI/SCADA software, and certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated systems that drive efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by automation controls professionals when integrating new equipment into existing systems?

Automation Controls professionals often encounter challenges when integrating new equipment, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining consistent communication protocols, and minimizing downtime. Troubleshooting these issues requires strong problem-solving skills and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineers, IT specialists, and production staff. Staying updated on the latest industry standards and technologies is also essential for successful integration and ongoing system optimization.

What is the difference between Automation Controls vs Electrical Technicians?

AspectAutomation ControlsElectrical Technicians
CertificationsPLC, DCS, or automation system certificationsElectrical licenses, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation system setupsConstruction sites, electrical maintenance
Industry UsageIndustrial automation, process controlElectrical installation and repair

Automation Controls specialists focus on designing, programming, and maintaining automation systems like PLCs and DCS, primarily in manufacturing environments. Electrical Technicians handle electrical wiring, troubleshooting, and repairs across various settings. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Automation Controls professionals specialize in automation technology, making their skills more aligned with modern industrial systems.

How to get into controls and automation?

To enter controls and automation, pursue a relevant technical degree such as electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, and gain experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and automation software. Certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) can enhance job prospects, and hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships is highly valuable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Controls jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

The most popular types of Automation Controls jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,401 per year, or $43 per hour.

$74K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support and lead troubleshooting of electrical problems on equipment across multiple sites.

  • Carry out automation-related process improvement tasks and manage resources for these initiatives.

  • Support and manage electrical aspects of capital projects, including scope development, installation, and commissioning.


Shaw Industries rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job Title

Controls Automation Engineer

Position Overview

.

Join a team where innovation meets realworld impact. We're looking for a driven Automation Engineer to become a key part of our Divisional Engineering group-a highly collaborative team supporting manufacturing operations across Georgia, Tennessee, Scotland, and China. In this role, you won't just maintain systems... you'll help shape the future of how we manufacture.

As a Controls Automation Engineer, you'll take the lead on process improvement initiatives, support largescale capital projects, and partner closely with plant teams to solve complex challenges. You'll have the opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies, strengthen automation and control strategies, and work directly with our Technical teams to help develop new processes that enable the next generation of innovative products.

If you're excited by hands-on engineering, global collaboration, and the chance to influence major technical decisions, this is a role where your ideas will matter-and where you can make a lasting impact across multiple sites worldwide.

This position provides leadership and technical support to a manufacturing division(s) as it relates to industrial automation and control systems. This includes troubleshooting, participating in process improvement efforts, and capital project efforts which will, at times, require working weekends, holidays, and being on-call. This position is expected to be capable of managing internal and external resources to achieve the desired outcomes of key performance indicators and have a thorough understanding of process operations within the division(s).

Position Responsibilities:

  • Directs and supports electricians, junior AEs, and other plant staff in troubleshooting and diagnosing electrical problems on new or existing equipment of any size or complexity.

  • Supports process improvement efforts by carrying out Automation related tasks directly and through managing internal and external resources. Helps identify improvement opportunities and offers solutions.

  • Supports and manages capital project efforts from an electrical standpoint including scope development, budgeting, bidding, installation, commissioning, and documentation. May also participate in or lead the efforts from a mechanical standpoint. Expected to oversee the efforts of internal and external resources as needed.

  • Maintains and develops electrical standards and best practices for the division(s) in coordination with other senior staff and corporate departments.

  • Helps drive process conformity across the division(s) from a controls perspective.

  • Supports 24/7 manufacturing operations across the division(s) including being on-call and being available for weekend and holiday work.

Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering.

  • Minimum 2 years relevant experience

  • Must possess a good organizational, computer, analytical, and leadership skills

  • Must be able to work well under pressure and within deadlines.

  • Thorough understanding of the Following Across the Division(s) with Demonstrated Prior Application:

    • PLC programming languages and concepts, their function, and proper selection for a given application

    • Siemens TIA Portal and Allen Bradley RSLogix 5, 500, 5000 / Studio 5000 programming

    • Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 series processors and related hardware and Allen Bradley Micrologix, SLC, PLC-5, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix series processors and related hardware

    • Advanced control concepts such as control loops and PID tuning

    • Motor control concepts, hardware components, their function, and proper application such as starters, soft starters, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

    • Motion control concepts, hardware components, their function, and proper application such as servos and robots.

    • Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) hardware and software

    • Panel mounted and field-mounted electrical devices, how to troubleshoot them, and how to select the best device for a particular application.

    • Standard industrial test equipment and their proper application

    • Industrial networks and how to troubleshoot them

    • Data analysis tools and how to use historical information to solve problems

    • Safety circuit design and current safety standards

    • Single and three-phase power and power distribution including topics such as power factor, harmonics, fault current, and arc flash and incorporating these considerations in the design of new or modified systems.

    • Process operations including the associated equipment and control systems and how control changes affect process performance such as throughput and quality.

  • Working knowledge of NFPA articles 70, 70E, 79 including topics such as sizing of conductors, sizing of overcurrent protection devices, AIC ratings, tap rules, grounding requirements, etc.

  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems such as pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanical drive systems

  • Capable of the following:

    • Design, commission, and troubleshoot PLC, VFD, and HMI applications of varying complexity.

    • Selecting the proper electrical hardware for new or modified systems.

    • Getting online with servo controllers throughout the division(s) for setup, configuration, and/or troubleshooting purposes unsupervised. Capable of using the teach pendants to troubleshoot robots.

    • Selecting the proper network communication design for a given application.

    • Using data storage and retrieval tools to transfer data between factory floor-level devices and higher-level systems.

    • Troubleshooting safety-related hardware and software, modifying existing circuits as needed, and designing new circuits to fulfill application requirements.

    • Reading, editing, and generating electrical schematics as needed and ensuring schematics are current.

    • Reading P&ID diagrams for troubleshooting purposes and generating an electrical bill of material from them with limited assistance.

    • Directing the efforts of electricians and junior AE(s) in making changes, reviewing changes, and providing feedback.

    • Assisting in the development of junior AEs and electricians by identifying skill gaps and providing coaching directly and/or recommending training avenues to their superiors.

    • Performing all work independently and in accordance with established regulatory, company, and divisional electrical standards and best practices.

    • Partnering with resources from other disciplines to successfully develop and execute capital improvement projects from conception through commissioning.

Preferred Skills:

Proficient in AutoCAD 2D

Key Competencies:

  • Build Customer Satisfaction

  • Initiate Action

  • Adapt and Change

  • Innovate

  • Coach and Support

  • Deliver Compelling Communication

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and is a global leader in delivering carpet, hardwood, tile & stone, laminate, synthetic turf, and other specialty products to residential and commercial markets worldwide. We are committed to creating a better future for our customers, our people, our company, and our communities.

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Work Shift

8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM
Shaw Industries is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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