ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Spectra Tech, Inc.

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... and controls interfaces). * Plan, execute, and document tests to verify component/system ... to engineering design (ability to perform simple analyses and report results) Preferred ...

SPECTRA TECH INC

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

... controls interfaces). Plan, execute, and document tests to verify component/system performance and ... to engineering design (ability to perform simple analyses and report results) Preferred ...

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... and controls interfaces). • Plan, execute, and document tests to verify component/system ... to engineering design (ability to perform simple analyses and report results) Preferred ...

Eastman

Electrical & Controls Designer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

Responsibilities The Electrical & Instrumentation Design team sits at the intersection of electrical, controls, power, and instrumentation engineering, turning complex system requirements into ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsControls Design Engineer JobsControls Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Controls Design Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$54.5K

$83.6K

$107.1K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in Tennessee is $83,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,100.00 and $94,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Controls Design Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Design Engineers frequently work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with the overall machinery or process. They often participate in design reviews, coordinate interface requirements, and troubleshoot issues that arise during system integration. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as controls must align with both hardware constraints and operational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters learning and can open doors for career advancement into project management or specialized technical roles.

What does a Controls Design Engineer do?

A Controls Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They create schematics, select control components, and program controllers to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. Their work often involves collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate complex automation solutions. Additionally, they troubleshoot existing systems and optimize performance to meet project requirements.

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

To thrive as a Controls Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, CAD software (such as AutoCAD or EPLAN), and relevant industry certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable design of automation systems that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Controls Design Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control systems for automation and machineryDesigning electrical systems, circuits, and components for various applications
CertificationsOften requires PLC, automation, or control system certificationsTypically requires electrical engineering licensure or degrees
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation firms, industrial settingsPower plants, electronics companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, electronics, construction

Controls Design Engineers focus on creating control systems for automation and machinery, often requiring specialized certifications. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical circuits and systems across various industries. While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Controls Design Engineers specialize in automation controls, making their work more application-specific.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Controls Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Controls Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Controls Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in TN? For Controls Design Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Controls Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,584 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer

Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer

EGS

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

EGS is seeking an Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Engineer to support our client in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is a long term (3-4 years) contract position that comes with top competitive rates and great benefits.

MUST BE US CITIZEN

Responsibilities:
As the I&C Engineer, you'll be responsible for developing high quality detailed design packages, providing engineering procurement and field technical support to implement those designs, and providing expertise for troubleshooting and technical assessments of plant systems.
Other responsibilities include:
  • Design involves the preparation of conceptual engineering deliverables such as cost-estimating bills of material and labor-hour estimates, statements of work, design criteria, and title II design engineering deliverables including preparation of calculations and analyses, construction specifications & drawings, and equipment specifications.
  • Effectively and cooperatively work as a team member of an integrated project team.
  • Routinely perform walkdowns in the existing plant facilities to generate design documents and provide field support to craft personnel.
  • Apply technical expertise and wide application of technical principles, theories and concepts in the Electrical Engineering field with primarily instrumentation/controls focus for equipment process control and monitoring.
  • Provide self-performed technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems through the application of established engineering practices, codes, and standards.
  • Field troubleshooting support of existing systems will be required to inform design for corrective actions.
  • Responsible for preparing conduit/cable schedules, conduit/equipment plans, one-line diagrams, wiring/connection/schematic diagrams, instrument loop diagrams, various sections/elevations/details, calculations, datasheets, and construction specifications.
  • Develop control cabinet assembly drawings, system diagrams, and control logic for both batch and continuous processes using conventional analog instrumentation, distributed digital control systems, and Programmable Logic Controller/Human-Machine Interfaces (PLCs/HMIs).
  • Develop process control system narratives, aid in the development of process software requirements, and provide input to Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).

Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years of instrumentation and controls design engineering experience. Nuclear or DOE (Department of Energy) experience preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years' (10 years preferred) experience with PLC and HMI programming for systems that include both analog and digital input and output.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing the National Electrical Code, UL508A, and relevant ISA standards to design instrumentation and controls systems.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screening exam.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A professional engineer (PE) license.
  • 10 or more years of experience is highly preferred.

Location/Work Arrangement:
  • Onsite in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
  • Schedule is full-time, Monday - Friday 40-hour week.