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Controls Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Semiserve

Instrument Controls Designer

Memphis, TN

Instrument Controls Designer Location: Memphis, TN Duration: Ongoing Contract Basis Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Description: * The Instrument Controls Designer will entail the development ...

Eastman

Electrical & Controls Designer

Kingsport, TN

The Electrical & Controls Designer plays an important role in that work, supporting the development of detailed electrical, power, and control design deliverables that allow industrial systems to be ...

Eastman

Electrical & Controls Designer

Kingsport, TN · On-site

The Electrical & Controls Designer plays an important role in that work, supporting the development of detailed electrical, power, and control design deliverables that allow industrial systems to be ...

Prime Controls

Controls Engineer II

Nashville, TN

$80K - $104K/yr

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C ... as designed. * Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect ...

Prime Controls

Controls Engineer II

Nashville, TN

$80K - $104K/yr

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C ... as designed. * Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect ...

Prime Controls

Controls Engineer II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Established in 2004, Prime Controls, L.P. is a family-owned Systems Integration and I&C ... as designed. * Troubleshoots problems that occur during startup that are caused by incorrect ...

Johnson Controls

High Level Engineer - Controls

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

$81K - $104K/yr

Reinforces methodology and skills used to collect, analyze and present solutions, designs, scopes ... Provides Johnson Controls Metasys along with other system application support and systems ...

Designed Conveyor Systems

Controls Engineer

Franklin, TN · On-site +1

$82K - $106K/yr

Lead controls electrical designs and assists with implementation for material handling systems. * Design electrical systems, including field device placement, control panel layouts, and electrical ...

DISHER

Controls Engineer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan DISHER is currently partnering ... Ensure control panel and system designs meet UL requirements (e.g. UL60335-2-40) and support UL ...

DISHER

Controls Engineer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan DISHER is currently partnering ... Ensure control panel and system designs meet UL requirements (e.g. UL60335-2-40) and support UL ...

ATC Automation

Controls Engineer

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

ATC Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly and test equipment for various industries including transportation, life science, and consumer goods. A Controls Engineer creates ...

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All JobsControls Designer JobsControls Designer Jobs in Tennessee

Controls Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$16

$35

$57

How much do controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls designer in Tennessee is $35.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.39 and $41.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of teams or departments do Controls Designers typically collaborate with during a project?

Controls Designers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems are seamlessly integrated into larger automation projects. They also interact with project managers to align on timelines and objectives, and may consult with procurement or manufacturing teams to select suitable components. This cross-functional collaboration is key to ensuring that the designed systems meet performance, safety, and cost requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

What are Controls Designers?

Controls Designers are professionals who design and develop control systems for machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. They create detailed electrical schematics, select control hardware and software, and ensure systems meet safety and operational requirements. Controls Designers often collaborate with engineers and technicians to integrate automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. Their work is essential in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy, where automated control systems improve efficiency and reliability.

What is the difference between Controls Designer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls DesignerControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering; certifications like PLC or automation certifications are common.Requires similar degrees; often holds professional engineering (PE) license and advanced certifications.
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, often in office settings or design labs, collaborating with engineers and clients.More fieldwork, testing, and troubleshooting on-site or in manufacturing environments.
Industry UsageUsed in automation system design, control panel layout, and schematic development.Involved in system implementation, testing, and optimization of control systems.

While both roles require technical knowledge of control systems and similar educational backgrounds, Controls Designers primarily focus on creating and drafting control system designs, whereas Controls Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world settings.

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

To thrive as a Controls Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, automation systems, and experience with control panel design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD Electrical), PLC programming, and familiarity with industry standards like NEC or IEC are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex project requirements. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing reliable, efficient, and compliant control systems that meet client and regulatory expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Controls Designer jobs in Tennessee? For Controls Designer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Designer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Designer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Designer jobs in TN? For Controls Designer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Controls Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Designer 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 $73,346 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Instrument Controls Designer

Semiserve

Memphis, TN

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Instrument Controls Designer

Location: Memphis, TN
Duration: Ongoing Contract Basis
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k

Description:
*   The Instrument Controls Designer will entail the development of instrument construction packages along with all subsequent support documentation. Work will include panel layout and termination drawings, block diagrams, instrument index, specifications and loop diagrams, SIS Design, fiber, cable tray design and routing, PLC design. Performs field walk downs and verify work prior to design and participate and lead all levels of drawing package reviews. Drawings will be developed utilizing AutoCAD and administered to contractors via Company protocol.
*   Assists with locating reference drawings, ensuring submitted packages meet Company design requirements and ensuring proper submission of final deliverables
*   At least 8-10 years with a minimum of 3 in a refinery or heavy industrial plant environment
*   Must be proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office applications
*   IN tools experience not required but preferred 

Education:Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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