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Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan DISHER is currently partnering with an innovative thermal management solutions company in search of a Controls Engineer to join ...

Controls Engineer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan DISHER is currently partnering with an innovative thermal management solutions company in search of a Controls Engineer to join ...

Engineering Manager Company: Chicago Metallic Location: 1502 N. Central Avenue **This position is ... This position serves as the technical leader for industrial controls, automation, and robotic ...

Controls Engineer

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$75K - $98K/yr

This position is responsible for supporting all aspects of Controls Engineering, including PLC/HMI ... Manage project scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring timely delivery and cost control. * Coordinate ...

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Manage external contractors and system integrators to ensure on-site project support is effective ... Minimum 5+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Manage external contractors and system integrators to ensure on-site project support is effective ... Minimum 5+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.

Showing results 21-40

Controls Engineering Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$87.7K

$118.9K

How much do controls engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering manager in Tennessee is $87,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectControls Engineering ManagerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are common
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in manufacturing, automation, or industrial settings; strategic planningDesigns, develops, and tests control systems; hands-on technical work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automation, and process industries for leadership rolesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

The Controls Engineering Manager focuses on leading teams, strategic planning, and overseeing control system projects, while Controls Engineers handle the technical design, development, and implementation of control systems. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and industry experience, but the manager role emphasizes leadership and project management.

How does a Controls Engineering Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Controls Engineering Manager, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as mechanical engineers, project managers, software developers, and operations staff. Your role involves aligning control system requirements with overall project goals, coordinating design reviews, and ensuring seamless integration of controls with mechanical and electrical systems. Regular meetings and open communication are essential to address challenges, delegate tasks, and track progress, making collaboration a vital aspect of delivering successful automation projects.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in electrical or controls engineering, experience in automation systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or PMP are often required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These capabilities ensure successful delivery of complex automation projects, team productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

What is a Controls Engineering Manager?

A Controls Engineering Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries like manufacturing, energy, and automation. They lead a team of engineers, manage projects, ensure compliance with industry standards, and collaborate with other departments to optimize operational efficiency. The role often involves troubleshooting, budgeting, and staying updated on the latest automation technologies to improve system performance and reliability.
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering Manager job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,652 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

DISHER

Knoxville, TN • Hybrid

$79K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan

DISHER is currently partnering with an innovative thermal management solutions company in search of a Controls Engineer to join their team. This organization focuses on advanced cooling technologies that help customers improve performance and efficiency across a range of industries. They are a fast-growing startup innovating the best process cooling equipment in the industry, and they're looking for a Controls Engineer to join their growing team. In this role, you'll design, develop, test, and improve electrical and control systems for our chiller products, working cross-functionally with mechanical, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain teams. 

This role may be either hybrid in Knoxville, TN area or remote from West MI.

What it's like to work here:

The company is values-driven and focused on delivering cutting-edge cooling solutions through innovation, precision, and collaboration. Team members operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where they are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas, and continuously improve processes. You'll join a growing, team-oriented organization that emphasizes both professional development and measurable results while maintaining an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking culture.

What you'll get to do:
  • Develop control system architectures and schematics for new and revised products.
  • Design and specify electrical panels, enclosures, wiring harnesses, I/O layouts, and component selection for production and serviceability.
  • Create and maintain electrical (AC & DC power, control) schematics, and work with other designers/engineers to release backplane assembly and wire harness drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing work instructions.
  • Develop and troubleshoot Carel PLC software for chiller control.
  • Ensure control panel and system designs meet UL requirements (e.g. UL60335-2-40) and support UL certification/submission activities; coordinate with testing labs or certifying bodies as needed.
  • Perform risk assessments, design reviews, and DFMEA for control systems; implement safety controls and interlocks per applicable standards.
  • Support product validation: develop test plans, perform commissioning, debug field issues, and iterate designs for manufacturability and reliability.
  • Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing teams to balance cost, manufacturability, and performance for low-to-mid volume production.
  • Provide technical support for customers and field service teams; create troubleshooting guides and training material.
  • Work with suppliers and manufacturing to support production ramp-up, product & process development, and cost reduction.
  • Create / process Engineering Change Requests (ECR's) and Orders (ECO's).
  • Troubleshoot field and production issues; provide root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Ensure product designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
  • Support project planning, schedule tracking, design reviews, and documentation.
What will make you successful:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years' experience in controls engineering or related role, focused on product design for low-to-mid volume manufacturing.
  • Hands-on PLC programming experience (Carel, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent); HMI/SCADA development experience preferred.
  • Working knowledge of UL certification process and UL panel-building requirements (e.g. UL508A).
  • Proficient with electrical CAD/schematic tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar) and experience producing manufacturing documentation.
  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, etc.).
  • Strong troubleshooting and commissioning skills; experience with on-site commissioning is a plus.
  • Demonstrated competence with specifying industrial control components: motor starters, VFDs, contactors, relays, safety devices, and enclosures.
  • Clear technical writing skills and experience creating BOMs, wiring diagrams, and build instructions.
  • Excellent problem solving, collaboration and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with UL submission paperwork and working directly with testing labs.
  • Experience with low-to-mid volume manufacturing processes and DFM for electrical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and version control.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., Rockwell/Siemens, NFPA 79 knowledge, safety certifications).
  • Hands-on prototyping and/or test experience.
  • Background in Lean Product Development principles & tools.
  • Basic budgeting and cost containment skills.
  • Basic understanding of ISO 9000 (or similar quality system) design requirements
  • Resilience working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment with shifting priorities
Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work with prototype hardware.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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