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Controls Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Controls Systems Engineer

Old Hickory, TN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Controls Systems Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

$124K - $151K/yr

Controls Systems Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

929 - Automation Controls Engineer

Pulaski, TN · On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

The Controls Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automation controls systems for our manufacturing processes. Key Responsibilities: * Design, develop ...

929 - Automation Controls Engineer

Pulaski, TN · On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

The Controls Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automation controls systems for our manufacturing processes. Key Responsibilities: * Design, develop ...

929 - Automation Controls Engineer

Pulaski, TN · On-site

$82K - $108K/yr

The Controls Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automation controls systems for our manufacturing processes. Key Responsibilities: * Design, develop ...

Sr. Engineer, Controls

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Supports engineering and maintenance in the development of standards and specifications, including ... Provides technical support for controls systems during the introduction of new and reuse equipment.

Sr. Engineer, Controls

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Supports engineering and maintenance in the development of standards and specifications, including ... Provides technical support for controls systems during the introduction of new and reuse equipment.

Controls Engineer

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Automation / Manufacturing Engineering Department : Automation/Manufacturing ... Systems Design & Safety * Design and specify control panels, I/O architecture, safety circuits, and ...

Controls Engineer

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Automation / Manufacturing Engineering Department : Automation/Manufacturing ... Systems Design & Safety * Design and specify control panels, I/O architecture, safety circuits, and ...

Controls Engineer

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Automation / Manufacturing Engineering Department : Automation/Manufacturing ... Systems Design & Safety * Design and specify control panels, I/O architecture, safety circuits, and ...

Be Seen First

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineer Position in Nashville Suburb Develop machine controls for industrial automation ... Control systems will be highly integrated with manufacturing execution systems. Work includes ...

Be Seen First

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineer Position in Nashville Suburb Develop machine controls for industrial automation ... Control systems will be highly integrated with manufacturing execution systems. Work includes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Controls Systems Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$87.7K

$118.9K

How much do controls systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls systems engineer 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 a controls systems engineer?

Control Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that manage, regulate, and automate processes in industries such as manufacturing, power generation, and transportation. They use principles of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machines and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Their work often involves programming controllers, designing feedback loops, and integrating sensors and actuators to optimize system performance.

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

To thrive as a Controls Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and relevant certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These skills are vital for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable automation solutions that optimize safety and efficiency in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges a controls systems engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Controls Systems Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams, which can pose coordination challenges due to differing design methodologies and project timelines. Ensuring seamless integration of control systems with various hardware and software components often requires effective communication and adaptability. Additionally, troubleshooting issues that arise during commissioning or operation—often under tight deadlines—demands strong problem-solving skills and a thorough understanding of both the control systems and the larger system architecture.

What is the difference between Controls Systems Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls Systems EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CSCP or ISABachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, control system designManufacturing, process industries, robotics, and system integration
Industry UsageHeavy industry, process control, manufacturingAutomation, robotics, process optimization

Controls Systems Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, while Automation Engineers concentrate on implementing automation solutions, including robotics and software. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their primary focus differs: control system design versus automation implementation.

Infographic showing various Controls Systems Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,652 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Controls Systems Engineer

Old Hickory, TN • On-site

3M
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

$124K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily technical assistance to maintenance, process, and production personnel in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and determining root cause failures.

  • Develop and implement strategies to maintain, upgrade, or replace legacy control platforms.

  • Lead cross-functional teams to recommend, initiate, and complete control system improvement projects.


3M rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description:

Controls Systems Engineer

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Controls Systems Engineer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Provides daily technical assistance to maintenance, process and production personnel in diagnosing, troubleshooting and determining root cause failures.

  • Develops and implements strategies to maintain, upgrade or replace legacy platforms.

  • Leads cross functional teams to recommend, initiate and complete control system improvement projects.

  • Provides control system theory and programming training to maintenance craft person, control system technologists and control system engineers.

  • Supports corporate, division and plant engineering groups with the planning and installation of capital projects.

  • Ensures accuracy of plant electrical documentation including elementary drawings, process flow diagrams and P&ID drawings.

  • Willingness to be on-call and work different shifts to provide coverage.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or other Engineering disciple (completed and verified prior to start)

  • Three (3) years' experience as a Systems Control Engineer in a private, public, government or military environment.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

  • Experience with Allen Bradley PLC's and Drives

  • Experience with FactoryTalk View SE HMI Systems

Work location: Old Hickory, TN

Travel: May include up to 10% domestic/international

Relocation Assistance: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.Good Faith Posting Date Range 07/20/2026 To 08/19/2026 Or until filledAll US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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