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Controls Application Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Smyrna, TN

$90K - $119K/yr

Provide application/control systems design and development for systems of varying complexity ... controls and system integration with a strong focus on software design and programming * Ability to ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Smyrna, TN ยท On-site

$90K - $119K/yr

Provide application/control systems design and development for systems of varying complexity ... controls and system integration with a strong focus on software design and programming * Ability to ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls Application Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$45.8K

$100.5K

$138K

How much do controls application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls application engineer in Tennessee is $100,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a controls application engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Controls Application Engineers frequently work alongside cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and field technicians. Collaboration often involves translating project requirements into control system designs, integrating hardware and software components, and troubleshooting issues during commissioning. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as you will need to ensure all technical aspects align with broader project goals and client expectations. Regular meetings and design reviews are common, providing opportunities to address challenges and refine solutions together.

What is a controls application engineer?

Controls Application Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure systems operate efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming controllers (like PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineers to integrate controls with mechanical and electrical components. They play a critical role in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and building automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls application engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Application Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, control systems design, and programming, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI software, and industry-standard automation platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Siemens or Rockwell Automation if applicable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These capabilities ensure the development and implementation of reliable automation solutions that meet project requirements and support operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Controls Application Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Application EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonBachelor's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and testing control systems; often customer-facingDeveloping, testing, and maintaining control systems; primarily in manufacturing or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in automation, manufacturing, and process industriesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

Controls Application Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems for specific applications, often working directly with clients. Controls Engineers typically develop, test, and maintain control systems within manufacturing environments. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Application Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Controls Application Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Application Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Application Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Controls Application Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Controls Application Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Controls Application Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,472 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer - Automation & Process Systems

Hitachi Vantara Corporation

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description

Senior Controls Engineer

The Opportunity

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the worldโ€™s leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people, and weโ€™re always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as a Senior Controls Engineer.

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer with strong handsโ€‘on experience in programming, debugging, and commissioning automated systems. This role focuses on PLC and HMI programming, robotics and vision integration, and continuous process automation across a range of complex equipment.

You will be deeply involved in building and refining control systems, supporting machine startups, and solving challenging automation problems in collaboration with crossโ€‘functional engineering teams. The position is primarily technical and executionโ€‘focused, with significant time spent on system development, troubleshooting, and onโ€‘site deployment.

Location Type

The position is onsite in Nashville, TN.

What We Offer
  • Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
  • Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
  • A collaborative, engineeringโ€‘driven environment
  • Career growth and skill development opportunities
  • A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter
How You'll Make an Impact
  • Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds, from initial concept and system definition through programming, machine powerโ€‘up, debugging, commissioning, and final acceptance.
  • Design and program control systems from the ground up, including PLC logic, HMI applications, robotics integration, vision systems, and SCADA solutions for new and custom automated equipment.
  • Design controls equipment and architectures to meet customer requirements, performance standards, and application specifications.
  • Support multiple automation projects concurrently while maintaining focus on technical quality, schedule execution, and customer requirements.
  • Lead and collaborate with crossโ€‘functional technical teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution and integration.
  • Serve as a technical expert within the department, providing guidance on controls architecture, programming approaches, and complex automation challenges.
  • Partner with engineering leadership to support technical development, training, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
  • Travel up to 25% to customer sites and company locations to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and project execution.
Note

This list of responsibilities is not inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What Youโ€™ll Bring
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience (two years of relevant work experience for each year of academic study), OR an Associateโ€™s degree with 2+ years of related experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related technical disciplines.
  • 2+ years of experience leading technical projects, with ownership of technical decisions and execution.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence engineers, supporting technical excellence and career progression.
  • Strong breadth and depth of experience with industrial automation technologies, systems, and industry practices.
  • Proven ability to identify systemic issues and implement improvements that increase department efficiency and engineering effectiveness.
  • Experience in the automation industry; prior JR Automation experience is strongly preferred.
  • Proven collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex, systemโ€‘level problems.
  • Handsโ€‘on experience programming and troubleshooting continuous processes in automated manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs is a plus.
Disclaimer

JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10โ€‘panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview

At JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push whatโ€™s possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE โ€“ Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of the request and contact information to jrcareers@jrautomation.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.

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Hitachi Vantara logo

About Hitachi Vantara

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hitachi Rail is a fully integrated, global provider of rail solutions across rolling stock, signaling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey. With a presence in 38 countries across three continents and over 13,000 employees, our mission is to contribute to society through the continuous development of superior rail transport solutions.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2017