Electrical Engineer Contract Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Electrical Engineer – Automation and Controls

Job Description

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

Responsibilities

• Develop control system architectures and automation concepts for complex industrial process systems, ensuring robust, reliable, and maintainable designs.
• Perform electrical and controls engineering activities including control panel design, equipment integration, I/O development, instrumentation design, and preparation of detailed electrical documentation.
• Prepare and review engineering deliverables such as control narratives, equipment specifications, datasheets, I/O lists, instrument lists, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation.
• Execute automation and controls engineering scope on complex FEED, EP, EPC, and BOO projects while ensuring compliance with internal standards, contractual requirements, and applicable codes and regulations.
• Coordinate closely with process, mechanical, electrical, and project engineering teams to ensure successful integration of automation systems across all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Support technical evaluations of suppliers, review vendor documentation, and assist with equipment procurement to ensure that selected solutions meet project and performance requirements.
• Participate in control system design reviews, P&ID reviews, HAZOP/SIL reviews, and other multidisciplinary project reviews to identify and mitigate technical and safety risks.
• Facilitate technical discussions with customers, suppliers, business partners, and internal project stakeholders to support engineering decisions and resolve technical challenges.
• Support project execution by maintaining the technical quality of automation and controls deliverables while meeting project schedules and budgets.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and advancement of automation engineering practices.
• Oversee the development of control systems from initial concept through implementation, commissioning, and startup, ensuring alignment with project objectives and performance criteria.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• At least 7 years of experience in automation, controls, or electrical engineering for industrial process systems.
• Proven experience overseeing control system development from concept through implementation and commissioning.
• Strong electrical design experience involving industrial equipment, control panels, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Experience preparing and reviewing electrical and controls engineering documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and related technical deliverables.
• Solid understanding of industrial automation and instrumentation systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Siemens PLC programming experience strongly preferred.
• Allen-Bradley PLC experience is beneficial.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical and/or EPLAN for electrical design and documentation.
• Experience with power generation, Energy-from-Waste, renewable energy, chemical processing, manufacturing, or other industrial process industries.
• Project management or project leadership experience, including coordination of multidisciplinary engineering activities.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks and control system integration.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Billable role with approximately 3 weeks of paid time off and holidays.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid on-site office environment, with a schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home each week. The role follows a flexible 9/80 schedule or an alternative arrangement of four 9-hour shifts plus one 4-hour shift in a two-week period, supporting work-life balance. Work is performed in a modern engineering office setting with regular collaboration across process, mechanical, electrical, and project teams, as well as interaction with suppliers and project stakeholders. The environment is professional, project-driven, and focused on delivering complex Energy-from-Waste and Renewable Gas facilities using contemporary automation and controls technologies.

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

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

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 Jul 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.