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Controls Engineer Manager Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design ... Manage component obsolescence and develop replacement strategies. * Evaluate and integrate next ...

Senior Controls Engineer Position Overview We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design ... Manage component obsolescence and develop replacement strategies. * Evaluate and integrate ...

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Work closely with Senior controls engineer and system control needs * Knowledgeable of industrial ... management · Effectively communicate with co-workers and management to enhance teamwork and ...

Controls & Electrical Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

The Controls & Electrical Engineer will partner closely with operations, maintenance, engineering ... Manage installation, startup, and validation activities for new equipment and automation systems

Controls Automation Engineer

Dalton, GA · On-site

$74K - $98K/yr

Job Title Controls Automation Engineer Position Overview . Join a team where innovation meets ... Supports and manages capital project efforts from an electrical standpoint including scope ...

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Controls Engineer Manager information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$46K

$80.8K

$109.6K

How much do controls engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer manager in Cleveland, TN is $80,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $90,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls engineer manager?

Controls Engineer Managers are professionals who oversee teams responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They ensure that control systems operate efficiently, safely, and meet all technical requirements. In addition to technical expertise, they manage personnel, budgets, and project timelines, serving as a bridge between engineering teams and upper management. Their work is crucial for optimizing production processes, minimizing downtime, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer manager?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer Manager, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and several years of engineering experience. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and certifications like PE or PMP are highly valuable. Leadership, project management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure successful project delivery, system reliability, and efficient team performance in complex industrial environments.

What are the common challenges a controls engineer manager faces when leading a multidisciplinary team?

As a Controls Engineer Manager, one of the primary challenges is effectively coordinating between electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to deliver integrated automation solutions. Balancing project timelines, resource allocation, and ensuring clear communication across disciplines requires strong leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and maintaining compliance with industry standards can present ongoing challenges. Fostering a collaborative environment and facilitating continuous learning are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful project delivery.

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

AspectControls Engineer ManagerControls Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, management experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, technical certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees control systems developmentDesigns, develops, and tests control systems, often working independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, industrial facilities, often in supervisory rolesManufacturing plants, automation companies, industrial sectors, technical roles

The Controls Engineer Manager oversees control systems projects and manages teams, focusing on leadership and strategic planning. In contrast, the Controls Engineer primarily designs and implements control systems. The manager role involves more coordination and management, while the engineer role emphasizes technical expertise and hands-on work.

How much do controls engineer managers make?

Controls engineer managers typically earn between $90,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often oversee teams, manage automation projects, and require knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and project management skills.

What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Manager jobs in Cleveland, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Manager jobs in Cleveland, TN are:

What cities near Cleveland, TN are hiring for Controls Engineer Manager jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, TN with the most Controls Engineer Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Manager job openings in Cleveland, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $80,801 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Tuftco

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and evolve industrial control systems for machine platforms.

  • Architect control solutions including hardware selection, control software development, and system integration.

  • Support commissioning, troubleshoot complex control system issues, and provide technical guidance.


Job description

Senior Controls Engineer


Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, develop, and evolve industrial control systems for advanced machine platforms. This role combines hands-on controls development with system architecture, hardware selection, R&D, and high-level technical troubleshooting.

You will take control systems from concept through commissioning—defining architecture, selecting and validating hardware, developing control software, integrating motion and communication systems, and ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability.

You will also help standardize control architectures to enable reuse across machines and support future automation platforms.


Key Responsibilities

Controls Development & System Architecture

  • Design and develop industrial control systems for new machines, platform migrations, and feature enhancements.
  • Architect full control solutions including PLCs, motion systems, drives, sensors, I/O, and industrial networks.
  • Develop, test, and maintain control software for complex automated systems.
  • Translate machine performance requirements into robust control strategies.
  • Debug and resolve system-level software and controls issues.
  • Develop reusable, standardized control architectures across platforms.


Hardware Ownership & Lifecycle Management

  • Select and validate controllers, drives, motors, sensors, and related hardware.
  • Ensure hardware meets performance, reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle requirements.
  • Manage component obsolescence and develop replacement strategies.
  • Evaluate and integrate next-generation hardware and technologies.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on system validation.


R&D & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead or support R&D initiatives for new platforms and automation technologies.
  • Improve internal standards, tools, and control system infrastructure.
  • Drive continuous improvement of control architectures and engineering practices.
  • Apply field and commissioning feedback to future designs.


Commissioning & Technical Support

  • Support commissioning and validation of control systems.
  • Act as escalation point for complex field service issues.
  • Perform root-cause analysis across controls, motion, hardware, and communications.
  • Provide technical guidance to engineering and service teams.


Required Qualifications

  • 8+ years designing, developing, and commissioning industrial control systems or similar automation systems.
  • Experience delivering control systems from concept through commissioning.
  • Strong background in closed-loop control, motion control, and real-time/embedded systems.
  • Ability to translate performance requirements into control system design.
  • Experience designing full control architectures (hardware, software, motion, I/O, networks).
  • Experience selecting and validating industrial hardware (PLCs, drives, motors, sensors, actuators).
  • Experience with industrial networks such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, or CANopen.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in complex electromechanical systems.
  • Experience considering reliability, maintainability, and obsolescence in design decisions.
  • Ability to independently lead complex controls projects.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Siemens experience (TIA Portal, S7-1500/1200, SINAMICS).
  • Experience building modular or standardized control architectures.
  • R&D experience in automation, motion control, or machine development.
  • Field service or manufacturing support experience.
  • Experience with hardware lifecycle management.


What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means bridging system-level thinking with hands-on execution. You understand not just how a control system works, but why a given architecture is optimal.

You build control systems that are precise, reliable, maintainable, and scalable across current and future machine platforms.


Tuftco is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.