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Contract Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Electrical Controls PE

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Current Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering in Tennessee and Georgia ... Review project plans, specifications, and contract documents to ensure all project requirements are ...

ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to join our team supporting ... of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:

Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$55 - $75/hr

Job Title: Electrical Engineer - Automation and Controls The Electrical Engineer provides ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN. Pay and ...

Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$55 - $75/hr

Job Title: Electrical Engineer - Automation and Controls The Electrical Engineer provides ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN. Pay and ...

PLC programming * Project documentation * Coordinate controls support contracts, service calls, and system health assessments. * Provide troubleshooting support for automation systems and testing ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Controls Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$87.7K

$118.9K

How much do contract controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract controls engineer in Tennessee is $87,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract controls engineer?

A Contract Controls Engineer is a temporary or project-based professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems in industrial, manufacturing, or automation environments. They work with PLCs, SCADA systems, and other automation technologies to ensure efficient and reliable operations. Their role often includes programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing control systems to meet project or regulatory requirements. Typically, they collaborate with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders to deliver solutions on time and within budget. Contract positions allow flexibility and exposure to various industries and projects.

What does a contract controls engineer do?

A Contract Controls Engineer typically spends their days designing, programming, and commissioning control systems for client projects, often working onsite and remotely based on project needs. The role involves collaborating closely with project managers, electricians, and other engineers to ensure all automation solutions are delivered on time and meet client specifications. Routine tasks may include troubleshooting system issues, developing technical documentation, and overseeing installation or upgrades of control panels. The work environment is fast-paced and project-oriented, providing variety and the opportunity to tackle new technical challenges each week.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract controls engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control systems engineering, experience with automation, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, control panel design software, and certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills for success in this dynamic role. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable automation solutions, ensuring project success, and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams on contract-based projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Contract Controls Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,652 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Controls Engineer (Q- or TS-Cleared Candidates Only)

GEM Technologies, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support our client in a direct role! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, TN. This position will play a key role in maintaining production operations by diagnosing and resolving controls, electrical, instrumentation, and automation issues affecting manufacturing equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial automation and control systems supporting nuclear facility operations.

  • Support the design, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of plant control and automation systems.

  • Develop, configure, program, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.

  • Troubleshoot control system equipment, instrumentation, network, and communication issues to identify root causes and restore reliable operation.

  • Analyze control system performance and implement improvements to increase reliability, efficiency, availability, and operational performance.

  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to resolve technical challenges and support plant objectives.

  • Provide technical support for control system upgrades, modifications, equipment replacements, and modernization initiatives.

  • Support integrated system testing, commissioning, and validation of control system modifications and equipment.

  • Develop and execute testing procedures to verify proper system functionality and performance.

  • Provide technical guidance and training to operators and maintenance personnel on control system functionality and troubleshooting.

  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement engineering solutions that enhance system reliability and reduce equipment downtime.

  • Maintain appropriate engineering documentation, system configurations, drawings, and technical records associated with control systems.

  • Ensure control system designs, modifications, and operations comply with applicable nuclear safety, quality, cybersecurity, regulatory, and engineering requirements.

  • Support the safe and reliable operation of critical plant systems in a 24/7 nuclear operating environment.

Requirements

  • Education & Years of Experience – Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another accredited engineering discipline and 5 years of experience

  • Citizenship – To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.

  • Clearance – To be considered, you MUST have an ACTIVE or very recently active DOE “Q” Clearance or DoD “Top Secret” Clearance.

  • 5+ years of experience supporting industrial control systems in manufacturing, energy, chemical processing, or other highly regulated industries

  • Experience with one or more industrial control platforms, including Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Honeywell, ABB, or Emerson

  • Experience supporting system commissioning, integrated testing, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives

  • Familiarity with preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, system reliability, and equipment performance monitoring

  • Experience designing, installing, programming, and supporting industrial process control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and process instrumentation

  • Working knowledge of engineering standards, principles, and best practices related to industrial automation and process control equipment

  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause problem-solving skills

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional engineering, operations, and maintenance teams

ABOUT GEM

GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:

  • Our philosophy – We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.

  • Our relationships – Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.

  • Our team – We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.

  • Our community involvement – Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

GEM’s offered compensation is dependent on candidates’ education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee’s needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.

Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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