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Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

As a Lead Automation Engineer at Jabil, Inc., you will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining advanced automation solutions across our manufacturing facilities. This ...

Job Summary: Automation Engineer related to assembly and automation including new model quoting, building, and developing assembly equipment & mass production support of equipment. Essential ...

Automation Engineer, Field Services Who are we? In a world where performance is paramount and environments are unforgiving, Thermon stands as a global leader, forging the future of thermal management ...

Automation Engineer, Field Services Who are we? In a world where performance is paramount and environments are unforgiving, Thermon stands as a global leader, forging the future of thermal management ...

The Automation Engineer develops, maintains, and improves software tools, data systems, dashboards, and automated workflows that support manufacturing operations, focusing on manufacturing systems ...

Automation Engineer, Field Services Who are we? In a world where performance is paramount and environments are unforgiving, Thermon stands as a global leader, forging the future of thermal management ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Bristol, TN · On-site

$101K - $132K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to help drive automation strategy and execution across our building products manufacturing operations. In this role, you will lead automation projects from ...

As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Bristol, TN · On-site

$101K - $132K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to help drive automation strategy and execution across our building products manufacturing operations. In this role, you will lead automation projects from ...

Lead Automation Engineer

Nashville, TN · Remote

$99K - $130K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer Remote Company Overview: AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide. In ...

Lead Automation Engineer

Nashville, TN · Remote

$99K - $130K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer Remote Company Overview: AMSURG is an independent leader in ambulatory surgery center services, operating a network of more than 250 surgery centers nationwide. In ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automation Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$97.2K

$147.9K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Tennessee is $97,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $112,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automation Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectAutomation EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial plants, automation companiesIndustrial facilities, manufacturing, process control environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, automation service providersIndustrial sectors, process industries, automation firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between Automation Engineers and Control Systems Engineers lies in their focus areas. Automation Engineers typically design and implement automated systems across various industries, emphasizing software and hardware integration. Control Systems Engineers concentrate on designing and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, often with a stronger emphasis on control theory and hardware. Both roles require similar qualifications and are often found working in manufacturing and industrial environments, but their specific responsibilities and focus areas differ.

What is an automation engineer?

Automation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement automated systems and processes to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity in various industries. They work with technologies such as robotics, control systems, and software to automate repetitive or complex tasks. Their responsibilities often include programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation equipment, as well as collaborating with other engineers to optimize workflows. Automation Engineers are employed in sectors like manufacturing, IT, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

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

To thrive as an Automation Engineer, you need a strong grasp of control systems, programming (such as PLC, Python, or C++), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with automation platforms like Rockwell, Siemens, or SCADA systems, as well as certifications like ISA or relevant vendor-specific credentials, is highly valued. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills and qualifications are critical for designing efficient automated solutions, minimizing downtime, and ensuring seamless integration of systems.

What are some common challenges automation engineers face when integrating new systems into existing workflows?

Automation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new automation solutions with legacy systems, including compatibility issues and data migration complexities. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as IT, operations, and production—can require extensive communication to ensure seamless implementation. Additionally, balancing the need for system reliability with innovation and minimizing downtime during transitions are key concerns. Proactively addressing these challenges through thorough planning and testing helps ensure successful integration.

What does an automation engineer do?

As an automation engineer, your job is to design and develop automated machines for your company. Your responsibilities may include determining the best way to implement automation, creating devices that meet the company's needs and specifications, testing robots to ensure they perform as designed, and monitoring existing automation to check if repair or replacement is needed. Many duties of this job vary by industry. For example, automation engineers work in areas like the automotive industry, food preparation and packaging, electronics production, and appliance production, and each of these fields has different materials and objectives. However, regardless of industry, most automation engineers work with both hardware and software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,230 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Automation Engineer develops, maintains, and improves software tools, data systems, dashboards, and automated workflows that support Standard Nuclear's manufacturing operations. This role focuses on manufacturing systems, inventory and material tracking, reporting automation, data integrity, and operational visibility in a regulated environment.
This is a hands-on technical role working at the intersection of software, data, manufacturing, and operations. The Automation Engineer will support systems used to track production activity, material movement, nuclear material inventory, process data, and operational performance. The role will work closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Quality, NMCA, EH&S, and IT teams to ensure systems are reliable, secure, traceable, and useful for day-to-day decision-making.
This position is focused primarily on software, data, and systems automation rather than traditional controls engineering, though familiarity with manufacturing or industrial systems is beneficial.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manufacturing Systems & Automation
  • Develop, maintain, and improve software tools and automated workflows that support manufacturing operations
  • Build scripts, integrations, and system automations to reduce manual work, improve data accuracy, and increase operational visibility
  • Support manufacturing systems used for production tracking, inventory management, material movement, reporting, and process monitoring
  • Troubleshoot system issues, workflow failures, user access problems, data discrepancies, and reporting gaps
  • Support deployment, maintenance, and continuous improvement of internal tools used by operations and technical teams

Inventory & Material Tracking Systems
  • Maintain and improve systems used to track inventory, materials, equipment status, and operational workflows
  • Support systems used for nuclear material tracking, ensuring data integrity, traceability, access control, and reliable reporting
  • Develop automation tools that improve inventory visibility, reduce manual data entry, and support compliant material management
  • Partner with operations, NMCA, quality, engineering, and IT teams to ensure system changes are controlled, documented, and aligned with operational requirements
  • Help identify and resolve data quality issues related to material tracking, system records, and operational reporting

Dashboards, Reporting & Data Tools
  • Build and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualization tools for manufacturing, engineering, quality, and leadership teams
  • Translate manufacturing and operational data into clear, actionable views of production status, inventory, yield, throughput, and process performance
  • Automate recurring reports and reduce spreadsheet-based or manual reporting workflows
  • Work with users to understand reporting needs and develop practical tools that support decision-making
  • Support development of metrics that improve visibility into manufacturing performance and operational constraints

Data Systems & Integration
  • Integrate data from manufacturing systems, equipment, databases, spreadsheets, ERP/MRP systems, and other operational sources
  • Develop and maintain data pipelines, queries, and structured datasets for analysis, reporting, and automation
  • Improve data reliability, accessibility, and usability across manufacturing and engineering teams
  • Support data architecture, naming conventions, and documentation practices for manufacturing data
  • Work with incomplete or evolving data sources and develop practical solutions that improve over time

Compliance, Security & Documentation
  • Support data integrity, role-based access, change control, and documentation practices for manufacturing systems
  • Coordinate with IT to ensure tools and systems align with cybersecurity, access control, and company technology requirements
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation for scripts, workflows, dashboards, integrations, and user-facing tools
  • Support software quality assurance practices for internal tools and automation workflows
  • Ensure systems and data practices support audit readiness, traceability, and regulated manufacturing expectations

Cross-Functional Support
  • Work closely with intelligent manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, NMCA, EH&S, supply chain, and IT teams
  • Gather requirements from technical and operational users and translate them into practical software and data solutions
  • Communicate technical issues, data limitations, system needs, and improvement opportunities clearly to non-software stakeholders
  • Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement of systems used in day-to-day manufacturing operations
  • Help build a culture of disciplined, data-driven manufacturing decision-making

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 2-6 years of experience in software development, systems automation, data engineering, manufacturing systems, IT systems support, or a related technical role
  • Strong programming or scripting skills, preferably in Python, SQL, or similar tools
  • Experience working with SQL databases, data pipelines, APIs, dashboards, and structured data
  • Experience building reports or dashboards using Power BI, Tableau, Grafana, Plotly, or similar platforms
  • Experience supporting regulated inventory, material tracking, access-controlled systems, or compliance-sensitive operational software preferred
  • Familiarity with data integrity, role-based access control, change control, or software quality assurance practices preferred
  • Ability to troubleshoot software, data, workflow, reporting, and user access issues
  • Comfort working with incomplete, messy, or evolving data sources in a manufacturing or operational environment
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, manufacturing systems, equipment data, sensor data, or industrial systems is a plus
  • Familiarity with machine learning, statistical modeling, or advanced analytics is a plus
  • Experience in manufacturing, nuclear, DOE, energy, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, chemical processing, or other technical industries is a plus

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is based in Oak Ridge, TN and involves a mix of office-based work and interaction with manufacturing and operations teams.
The position requires regular collaboration with engineering, operations, quality, NMCA, IT, and manufacturing teams. Work will include software and data system development as well as occasional time in manufacturing or laboratory environments to understand processes, equipment, data sources, and operational needs. Use of appropriate PPE and adherence to site safety, cybersecurity, quality, and operational requirements may be required. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Standard Nuclear embraces equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.