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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Elwood Staffing

Design Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$61/hr

Design Engineer We are seeking highly skilled Design Engineers to support the new automated ... The organization delivers advanced, integrated solutions combining mechanical, controls, and ...

SPECTRA TECH INC

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

... 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

... 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 · 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 ...

Jatca Inc.

Design Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

Position Overview We are seeking highly skilled Design Engineers to support the new automated ... Collaborate cross-functionally to support mechanical, controls, and systems integration. * Provide ...

Smart Ims

Design Engineer

Nashville, TN

We are seeking highly skilled Design Engineers to support the new automated assembly system ... Collaborate cross-functionally to support mechanical, controls, and systems integration. * Provide ...

Smart Ims

Design Engineer

Nashville, TN

We are seeking highly skilled Design Engineers to support the new automated assembly system ... Collaborate cross-functionally to support mechanical, controls, and systems integration. * Provide ...

Smart Ims

Design Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

We are seeking highly skilled Design Engineers to support the new automated assembly system ... Collaborate cross-functionally to support mechanical, controls, and systems integration. * Provide ...

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Controls Design Engineer information

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$54.5K

$83.6K

$107.1K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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.

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.

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,584 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
EE/Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, Level III

EE/Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, Level III

Akima, LLC

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$76.50K - $102.30K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Akima rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

206th of 349 rated engineering

Job description

Akima Infrastructure Services, LLC (AIS), is actively seeking Engineering, Professional, Technical, and administrative support personnel as part of our staff augmentation team supporting the Department of Energy at the Y-12 National Security Complex located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and the Pantex Plant located in Amarillo, Texas.
Successful candidates will be employees of AIS, a premier government contractor charged with employing highly motivated and well-qualified personnel who can advance Y-12's core mission to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable U.S. nuclear deterrent, which is essential to national security. Though employed by AIS, the employee will take day-to-day direction and assignments from Y-12 staff employed directly by the security complex. Pay, benefits, Human Resources, and Employment Management functions are provided by AIS.
Qualified applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physicals, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!
Responsibilities
  • Candidate will 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.
  • 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.
  • Candidate must effectively and cooperatively work as a team member of an integrated project team. Design engineer will routinely perform walkdowns in the existing plant facilities in order to generate design documents and provide field support to craft personnel.
  • All electrical engineers will 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.
  • The electrical design engineer will 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. All electrical engineers will be 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.
  • Design engineers will 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). Design engineers will also develop process control system narratives, aid in the development of process software requirements, and provide input to Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
  • Candidate should have demonstrated experience utilizing the National Electrical Code, UL508A, and relevant ISA standards to design instrumentation and controls systems.
  • ***Experience utilizing Rockwell Automation industrial automation software (RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, etc.) is preferred, but not required.
  • A Professional Engineering License (PE) is preferred but not required.
  • Position is full-time (4/10 schedule Mon.-Thur.).
  • DOE Q-Clearance is highly desired but not required to start work. Any uncleared candidates will be expected to apply for a clearance after starting work.

Qualifications
  • ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with 10-14 years of experience or a MS with 10-13 years of experience and > 5 years instrumentation and controls design experience
  • Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy and would be identified as a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require participation in an ongoing random drug testing program in addition to the pre-employment drug screen.
  • Pre-employment Drug Screen - external applicants selected for this position are required to successfully complete a post- offer, pre-employment drug test.
  • Medical Exam(s) - Job related pre-placement medical examinations may be required for this position.

Job ID
2026-21172
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Infrastructure Services (AIS), an Akima company, is not just another staffing contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At AIS, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, AIS provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, AIS supports vital missions with the most in-demand and specialized skill sets in the world.
As an AIS employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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