Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.
Position Overview:
We're seeking a I&C Engineer to lead major process controls engineering projects spanning digital control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI), complex test stands, and chemical processes. You will take problems from issue to solution, setting expectations for data-driven decision making, automation, and the responsible use of AI/agentic AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective, compliant designs. This role blends hands-on engineering (design, fabrication, assembly, programming, testing) with technical leadership, client engagement, and rigorous software configuration management.
Location:
On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Your Day to Day as an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer:

• Engineers and integrates PLC, DCS, HMI, network switches, and control systems; lead programming and commissioning for Allen-Bradley platforms (ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk).
• Implements robust controls architectures, safety interlocks, alarming, data logging, recipe management, and historian integrations for test and process systems.
• Develops Functional Requirements and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems.
• Prepares design input documentation for drawings including cable block diagrams, wiring schematics, loop sheets, and detailed I/O maps.
• Helps in creating and maintaining P&IDs and System Design Descriptions (SDDs).
• Interfaces with vendors; prepare and review equipment purchase specifications.
• Produces clear, concise technical reports and engineering studies.
• Establishes and enforce software configuration management (SCM) for PLC/HMI code, scripts, and documentation.
• Reviews design drawings and documentation produced by others.
• Directs process-improvement initiatives: automate calculations, summarize technical documents, generate design documentation, and guide when/how AI or agentic AI tools are used.
• Oversees engineering automation via Python, MATLAB, or advanced Excel; review and validates automated outputs.
• Champions responsible integration of AI/ML into controls systems, including predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.
• Mentors less experienced I&C engineers and support multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 5+ years of experience in design engineering for process control systems.
• Hands on expertise with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk systems.
• Experience designing, fabricating, assembling, programming, and testing test stands and chemical process systems.
• Strong SCM proficiency including Git, versioning, and code reviews.
• Excellent communication skills and experience reviewing design drawings.U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related engineering field.
• Experience with PlantPAx, FactoryTalk Analytics, OPC UA, historians, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with SIS, PHA, ISA standards, and NFPA/NEC codes.
• Experience integrating AI/ML into industrial systems.
• Additional learning such as CS, AI, or Software Engineering certificates or minors.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $86,450 - $136,000
The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $86,450 and $136,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.