Electrical Engineer Contract Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Electrical Engineer – Automation and Controls

The Electrical Engineer provides automation and controls engineering support for the planning, design, execution, and startup of Energy-from-Waste and Renewable Gas facilities. This role develops control system architectures, leads electrical and controls design activities, and ensures automation deliverables meet technical, regulatory, and project requirements from concept through commissioning.

• Develop control system architectures and automation solutions for complex industrial process systems.
• Perform electrical and controls engineering activities, including control panel design, equipment integration, instrumentation, and I/O development.
• Prepare and review engineering deliverables, including control narratives, specifications, datasheets, I/O lists, schematics, wiring diagrams, and system documentation.
• Execute automation and controls scope for FEED, EP, EPC, and BOO projects while ensuring compliance with standards, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with process, mechanical, electrical, and project teams to integrate automation systems throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support supplier evaluations, vendor document reviews, and equipment procurement activities.
• Participate in design reviews, P&ID reviews, HAZOP/SIL reviews, and other multidisciplinary engineering reviews.
• Lead technical discussions with customers, suppliers, and project stakeholders to resolve engineering challenges.
• Maintain the quality of automation deliverables while supporting project schedules and budgets.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and automation best practices.
• Support control system implementation, commissioning, and startup activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in automation, controls, or electrical engineering within industrial process environments.
• Experience leading control system development from concept through commissioning.
• Strong knowledge in industrial electrical design, including control panels, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing electrical and controls documentation, including schematics and wiring diagrams.

• Siemens PLC programming experience strongly preferred.
• Allen-Bradley PLC experience preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN.
• Project leadership experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and control system integration.
• Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills.
• Billable role with approximately 3 weeks of PTO plus holidays.

Hybrid work environment with three days in the office and two days remote per week. Flexible 9/80 schedule available. This role operates in a collaborative engineering environment working closely with internal teams, suppliers, and project stakeholders to deliver complex Energy-from-Waste and Renewable Gas projects.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $75.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Knoxville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.