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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Statistical process control (SPC) * Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) * Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) * Process Engineering * Industrial Electrical Systems * Mechanical ...

Systems Engineer - Advisory

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$114K - $165K/yr

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

Systems Engineer 3

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$86K - $136K/yr

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

Systems Engineer 3

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$86K - $136K/yr

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

Systems Engineer 3

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$86K - $136K/yr

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

Systems Engineer 3

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$86K - $136K/yr

The Systems Engineer provides technical leadership, engineering oversight, and system-level ... Develop conceptual and detailed system architectures; define interfaces, control logic, and data ...

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Showing results 1-20

Control Systems Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$55.4K

$98.7K

$159.3K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Tennessee is $98,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $114,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Control Systems Engineers in senior or specialized roles, especially in industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive expertise in automation, programming, and system integration.

What are some common challenges faced by Control Systems Engineers in fast-paced industrial environments?

Control Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system faults under tight deadlines, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity practices also plays a critical role in maintaining reliable and safe control systems.

What does a control systems engineer do?

A control systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage the behavior of machinery and processes. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like MATLAB or PLCs to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. This role often involves testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems in manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial environments.

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

AspectControl Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics industriesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems in power, electronics, or communication sectors
Industry UsageCommon in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and process controlWidespread across power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial sectors

Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated control systems, while Electrical Engineers work on broader electrical systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ.

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

To thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering along with expertise in control theory and system dynamics. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and programming languages such as ladder logic or MATLAB/Simulink is typically required, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the design, implementation, and optimization of safe, efficient, and reliable automated systems in industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing. Senior engineers with specialized skills in automation, robotics, or software integration often reach this salary level.

What are control systems engineers?

Control systems engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that control and automate the operation of equipment or processes. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Control systems engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive, where automated control and precision are essential. Their responsibilities often include creating and testing control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting system issues.

What Is a Control Systems Engineer?

A control systems engineer’s duties include designing, building and maintaining instrumentation, monitors, and other equipment used to control complex systems. Some examples of these control systems include navigation networks, production machinery gauges, and computer system monitors. It is the control systems engineer’s job to maintain safe and efficient field operation of the equipment and to ensure the safety of those utilizing the equipment. These skilled engineers are typically well versed in mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering concepts and design.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and company size, with senior engineers and those in managerial positions often reaching this level.
What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
Engineering System Administrator, Principal

Engineering System Administrator, Principal

Centrus Energy Corp.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description


Systems Engineer / Systems Architect - Operational Technology (OT), Control Systems & DOE Critical Infrastructure
Make an Impact Where It Matters Most
Are you energized by solving complex engineering challenges that directly support national security, energy reliability, and scientific innovation? We're looking for a Systems Engineer / Systems Architect who thrives in mission-critical environments and is ready to take on a role where their work truly makes a difference.
In this position, you'll design, secure, and sustain the control systems and OT infrastructures that keep essential DOE and energy-sector operations running-spanning nuclear facilities, accelerator systems, experimental platforms, and site-wide operational technologies.
You'll work at the intersection of OT engineering, cybersecurity, facility operations, and research programs to deliver resilient, well-architected systems aligned with NIST frameworks and DOE requirements. If you enjoy systems engineering with real-world impact, this is a unique opportunity.
What You'll Do
Systems Architecture & Design
• Build secure, resilient system architectures for high-consequence OT and control-system environments.
• Design solutions aligned with NIST 800-82, NIST 800-53/171, and ISA/IEC 62443.
• Engineer systems supporting SCADA, PLC/DCS, building automation, power distribution, and other mission systems.
• Define architectures for deterministic behavior, high availability, and fault tolerance.
• Maintain configuration baselines, lifecycle documentation, and system design records.
Systems Engineering, Deployment & Operations
• Deploy and manage Windows/Linux servers, virtualization platforms, storage, and clustered systems.
• Integrate OT/ICS systems with authentication, monitoring, patching, and secure remote access services.
• Support SCADA/HMI servers, historians, engineering workstations, and other OT workloads.
• Ensure secure, reliable data flows between OT and enterprise/DMZ environments.
• Develop inventories, diagrams, SOPs, and configuration documentation.
OT Security & DOE Compliance
• Implement required NIST-aligned security controls and DOE cybersecurity directives.
• Support vulnerability management, patching, and secure system baselines.
• Participate in cyber and operational readiness assessments.
• Integrate systems with cybersecurity monitoring, logging, and detection platforms.
• Support privileged access, vendor access, and secure identity workflows in OT spaces.
Automation, Monitoring & Sustainment
• Create safe automation using PowerShell, Python, Ansible, or similar tools.
• Deploy and maintain monitoring and observability platforms (Splunk, Elastic/Grafana, SolarWinds, Nozomi/Claroty).
• Perform root-cause analysis and support cyber or operational incident response.
• Continuously improve system reliability and performance in mission-critical contexts.
What You Bring
• 5-10+ years as a Systems Engineer or Architect, including 3+ years supporting OT/ICS or critical infrastructure.
• Strong experience with Windows/Linux administration, virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM), and storage systems.
• Background with SCADA/ICS architectures, HMIs, engineering workstations, and historians.
• Working knowledge of NIST cybersecurity frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with configuration management, patching, imaging, and lifecycle processes.
• Experience supporting operational environments such as energy, nuclear, accelerator, national lab, or 24/7 mission systems.
• Ability to collaborate seamlessly across engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and research groups.
Preferred Qualifications
• Certifications: CISSP, Security+, GICSP, Microsoft/Linux engineering certs, VMware VCP, Red Hat, ISA/IEC 62443.
• Experience in secure or high-hazard environments (nuclear, accelerator, etc.).
• Familiarity with OT monitoring tools (Nozomi, Claroty, Dragos) and SIEM platforms.
• Background designing resilient architectures for scientific or experimental workloads.
• Experience with cyber assessments and configuration management processes.
Work Environment
• On-site role supporting secure or mission-critical operations.
• Participation in an on-call rotation may be required.
• PPE may be required in certain facilities.
• Travel across site facilities, plants, experimental areas, or secured zones.
• Must be eligible for a Q clearance.
How Success Will Be Measured
• Increased reliability, security, and supportability of OT/ICS systems.
• Alignment with NIST and DOE cybersecurity expectations.
• Well-maintained configuration baselines and lifecycle documentation.
• Reduced downtime and improved monitoring, visibility, and response readiness.
• Successful integration of systems across facility, operational, and mission programs.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
This position will require a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.
Centrus Energy and all subsidiaries shall abide by the applicable legal requirements. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
This position requires the successful candidate to obtain and maintain a Q security clearance. Candidates for positions requiring a security clearance are required to be tested for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4 prior to an offer of employment being made. In addition, once employed, employees will become part of a random drug testing program and may also be tested in the event of any incident causing injury or causing damage to property, or if it is determined that there is a reasonable suspicion the employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This position will require preemployment background check on the part of the Company and in order to receive a Q security clearance, a background investigation by the Federal government. Subsequent Federal government reinvestigations may be required.
Centrus Energy Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer