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Controls Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Semiserve

Instrument Controls Designer

Memphis, TN · On-site

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

ControlsJobs

BAS - Controls Engineer

Memphis, TN · Remote

$81K - $104K/yr

Ensure controls designs for the project are delivered on time and efficiently * Light programming experience * Help and support controls programmers, Controls Techs, and Salespeople COMPANY INFO:

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Controls Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$16

$35

$57

How much do controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing often offer salaries in this range, particularly for those managing complex projects or leading teams.

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 does a controls designer do?

A controls designer develops and implements control systems for machinery and automation processes, often using programming languages like PLC or SCADA. They analyze system requirements, create control diagrams, and test systems to ensure proper operation, typically working with electrical and mechanical components. Strong technical skills and knowledge of industry standards are essential for this role.

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 is the highest paid design job?

Controls Designers typically earn competitive salaries, but the highest paid design jobs are often in specialized fields such as industrial, aerospace, or software design, with senior roles or those requiring advanced certifications commanding higher pay. Executive or lead design positions in large corporations can also be among the top earners in the design industry.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced controls engineers or automation engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or high-tech manufacturing can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills in PLC programming, control systems, and relevant certifications, along with many years of experience. Such high compensation is uncommon and usually associated with executive-level or highly specialized engineering positions.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,346 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Controls Designer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

What You'll Be Doing
Job Scope: Generally responsible for supervision and technical direction over a team of designers when functioning as a lead designer. As lead designer, responsibilities will include total delivery of the electrical and instrumentation deliverables and services on time, within performance budget and meeting quality expectations. Duties may include performing advanced design work serving as a technical specialist for a complex design assignment. This level requires extensive progressive experience in electrical and instrumentation design and involves utilization of project controls for cost, schedule and quality of projects. This work will be performed under minimal supervision.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
  • Familiarity with and utilizing department design and drafting standards.
  • Familiarity with project scope, specifications and design criteria upon assignment to a project task team.
  • Recognize and communicate scope and design changes promptly.
  • On-site assistance during startup.
  • Producing estimate level preliminary designs and material take-offs suitable for the level of the estimate being performed on a project.
  • Producing detail design calculations and sketches for materials of construction associated with the project. Calculations produced will be neatly prepared and organized for efficient checking by others and efficient use by drafters/designers for preparing drawings and as a deliverable when required.
  • Producing designs with efficient use of construction materials with an overall emphasis on ease of construction and completed product meeting the expectations of the client.
  • Checking calculations and deliverables made by others to ensure accuracy, conformance to codes, specifications, design criteria and conformance to good engineering practice.
  • Assisting the drafting group in resolving routine layout and detailing problems. It is your responsibility to furnish sufficient sketches and details necessary for completion of engineering drawings.
  • Consulting with design leaders from other disciplines to ensure the smooth flow of vital information necessary for the scheduled completion of the project.
  • Advising the senior engineer concerning design or scope changes, which have been identified.
  • Assisting other engineers in developing and assembling scopes, drawings and specifications into a "package", enabling electrical/instrumentation purchase inquiries to be issued for procurement of materials or subcontract pricing.
  • Reviewing and checking vendor drawings and other discipline drawings for electrical/instrumentation input.
  • Developing construction specifications.
  • Reviewing fabrication drawings and other construction submittals for conformance to engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Performing fieldwork necessary to gather field data, check tie-ins and provide construction support.
  • Provide technical guidance to less experienced drafting and engineering personnel in the department.
  • Knowledge of the discipline specific methods, practices and techniques required to engineer, design and construct process and manufacturing projects.
  • Applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis to complex designs.
  • Produce installation details, motor control center single lines, electric room layouts, motor control elementaries, connection diagrams, cable schedules, control panel layouts and grounding, lighting, power and instrumentation plans under general supervision.
  • Developing conceptual layouts and cost studies as necessary to determine the simplest, most efficient approach to solving engineering tasks at hand.
  • Developing small work sharing packages for interoffice execution support

Ideal Background
Education: Associate degree in Engineering Technology or Computer-Aided Drafting is preferred.
Certification: Certification is not required at this level.
Experience: This position requires 5 or more years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation drafting and design.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge and application of the current version of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Familiarity with specifications and installation details of construction bulk materials and equipment.
  • Ability to perform lighting level calculations.
  • Ability to size wire, conduit and overcurrent protection for both lighting and power applications.
  • Ability to perform voltage drop calculations.
  • Ability to route conduit and cable tray.
  • Ability to calculate tray and conduit fill.
  • Ability to determine motor control center loading.
  • Ability to create accurate electrical installation documents from the information found on vendor equipment drawings.
  • Ability to determine load center unit substation loading.
  • Ability to size control valves using appropriate software.
  • Ability to develop specifications and data sheets for instrumentation, analyzers, control systems and actuated valves.
  • Familiarity with standards that apply to instrumentation and controls (ISA).
  • Ability to develop equipment specifications for equipment such as motor control centers, variable frequency drivers, induction and synchronous motors, load center unit substations.
  • Knowledge and understanding of schedule constraints and information requirements for the production of all electrical deliverables.
  • Ability to develop a construction cost estimate, a detailed engineering schedule and a man-hour budget for a small project or an area for a larger project.
  • Ability to determine construction material quantities.
  • Knowledge and application of company engineering design and CAD drafting standards.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Good presentation skills
  • Virtual team skills and cross divisional relationships are developed and able to provide interoffice execution support with general supervision.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.

#LI-SH1
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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