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Control Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Memphis, TN area. Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience Location: Memphis ...

Control Engineer 2

Blountville, TN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Control Engineers work in various applications including industrial controls, cybersecurity, building automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and ...

Control Engineer 1

Blountville, TN · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Controls Engineers 1 are responsible for designing, developing, installing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control systems, machinery and processes. Controls Engineers work in various ...

Lead Engineer - Protection & Control

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$93K - $122K/yr

Lead a team of protection & control engineers, engineering technicians, and drafting technicians from project proposal to project as-built stage. * Coordinate with Substation Physical Engineering ...

We are looking for an Electrical Control Engineer to perform the design of control systems, from start to finish , as well as the engineering and field start up for the "System Integration in the ...

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Control Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$87.7K

$118.9K

How much do control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for control 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 does a control engineer do?

A control engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They work with sensors, actuators, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often using tools like MATLAB or SCADA software. Control engineers also troubleshoot system issues and optimize performance to meet operational requirements.

What are the common challenges a Control Engineer faces when integrating new automation systems with existing infrastructure?

Control Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new automation systems with legacy equipment or outdated infrastructure. These challenges include compatibility issues, communication protocol mismatches, and limited documentation for older systems. To overcome these obstacles, engineers must collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—such as IT, process engineers, and equipment vendors—to ensure seamless integration and minimal disruption to operations. Proactive troubleshooting, robust testing, and clear documentation are also crucial for successful implementation.

What engineers make $500,000?

Control engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in senior or executive roles within large corporations or high-demand industries. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires years of expertise in designing and managing complex control systems.

What are Control Engineers?

Control Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that manage and regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to create automated processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Their work often involves designing control systems for machinery, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability of operations. Control Engineers may also program and troubleshoot controllers like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and work closely with other engineering disciplines to optimize system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, control theory, and process automation, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and industry-standard software such as MATLAB or Simulink is essential, with certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) being advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for designing solutions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

What is the difference between Control Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControl EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesManufacturing, robotics, process automation, software development
Employer & Industry UsageFactories, power plants, automation service providersManufacturers, tech companies, system integrators

Control Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for machinery and processes, while Automation Engineers often work on integrating automation solutions, including software and robotics, to improve efficiency. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industrial settings, but Control Engineers tend to concentrate more on control hardware and systems, whereas Automation Engineers emphasize automation software and systems integration.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in manufacturing, automation, or process control environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and specialized certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing. Senior-level engineers in these fields often work on complex projects and may have leadership responsibilities that contribute to higher compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Control Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What job categories do people searching Control Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Control Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Control Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Control Engineer job openings:

Process Control Engineer

Rinvio

Memphis, TN

$55 - $80/hr

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Rinvio is hiring a Process Control Engineer for process controls, PLC systems, and industrial automation engineering in the Memphis, TN area.


Pay: $55-$80/hour, based on experience

Location: Memphis, TN

Schedule: Full-time industrial/plant support work; schedule and overtime may vary by site needs

Type: Contract


Responsibilities:

- Support process control systems, PLC/HMI platforms, instrumentation, controls networks, and plant automation projects

- Troubleshoot controls issues, improve reliability, and support production uptime in industrial environments

- Develop or modify PLC/HMI logic, control narratives, documentation, and system standards as needed

- Coordinate with maintenance, engineering, operations, vendors, and project teams on controls improvements

- Support commissioning, upgrades, integrations, preventive maintenance, and root-cause analysis


Requirements:

- Process controls, controls engineering, automation engineering, or senior PLC/controls experience

- Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms

- Strong understanding of instrumentation, controls networks, VFDs, I/O, schematics, P&IDs, and industrial systems

- Ability to troubleshoot complex controls problems and communicate clearly with plant stakeholders

- Manufacturing, chemical, paper, food, metals, utilities, or heavy industrial background preferred

- Reliable transportation to the Memphis, TN area

- Dependable, safety-minded, and able to complete any site onboarding requirements


Why this role:

- $55-$80/hour estimated pay range based on experience

- Industrial/manufacturing electrical and automation opportunity

- Professional recruiting support from Rinvio

- Potential access to additional skilled-trades and plant-maintenance opportunities through Rinvio


Learn more about Rinvio: https://www.rinvio.com


Apply today and a Rinvio recruiter will follow up with qualified candidates quickly.

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

About Rinvio

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Internet and it

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Huntington Beach, CA, US

Year founded

2018