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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Nashville, TN

Controls Engineer

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Your Contribution As a Controls Engineer reporting to the Head of Supervisors, you will be ... Benefits-CH_CN_DI_IB_LI_MA_MP_MW_OB_PH Entry level: Experienced hires Part- / Full-time: Full Time ...

Controls Engineer

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$75K - $98K/yr

Your Contribution As a Controls Engineer reporting to the Head of Supervisors, you will be ... Benefits-US/CH_CN_DI_IB_LI_MA_MP_MW_OB_PH Entry level: Experienced hires Part- / Full-time: ...

Ideal Candidate Profile * 0-2 years of experience in building automation, controls, OT, industrial networking, SCADA, instrumentation, or related engineering disciplines; internships, co-ops, labs ...

You'll work hands-on with power, control, and instrumentation systems that must perform in real ... You'll be the link between engineering design and operational reality. What You'll Do * Build and ...

You'll work hands-on with power, control, and instrumentation systems that must perform in real ... You'll be the link between engineering design and operational reality. What You'll Do * Build and ...

You'll work hands-on with power, control, and instrumentation systems that must perform in real ... You'll be the link between engineering design and operational reality. What You'll Do * Build and ...

The Extrusion Engineer / Process Engineer will be a key member of the engineering team, responsible ... Understanding of the relationship between process instrumentation, equipment settings, material ...

Junior Scheduler

Franklin, TN · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Internship or entry-level experience in project controls, scheduling, construction management, or engineering support * Basic understanding of CPM scheduling concepts * Experience or interest in ...

Internship or entry-level experience in project controls, scheduling, construction management, or engineering support * Basic understanding of CPM scheduling concepts * Experience or interest in ...

Junior Scheduler

Franklin, TN · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Internship or entry-level experience in project controls, scheduling, construction management, or engineering support * Basic understanding of CPM scheduling concepts * Experience or interest in ...

Junior Scheduler

Franklin, TN · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Internship or entry-level experience in project controls, scheduling, construction management, or engineering support * Basic understanding of CPM scheduling concepts * Experience or interest in ...

Nuclear Engineer

Smyrna, TN

$91K - $110K/yr

... instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See Nashville, TN salary details

$27

$52

$78

How much do entry level instrumentation & controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in Nashville, TN is $52.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $59.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level instrumentation & controls engineer do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer assists with the design, installation, and maintenance of systems that measure and control industrial processes. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to develop control systems, select appropriate instruments, and ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently. Typical responsibilities include preparing technical documentation, troubleshooting control systems, and supporting project execution. This role often serves as a starting point for engineers interested in automation, process control, or industrial systems.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level instrumentation & controls engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, configuring, and testing control systems for industrial processes, such as those found in power plants, manufacturing, or water treatment facilities. Your responsibilities may include creating wiring diagrams, selecting and specifying instrumentation, supporting field installations, and collaborating with senior engineers or project managers. You'll also likely help troubleshoot control system issues and participate in commissioning activities, providing valuable hands-on experience. This role offers a blend of office-based design work and on-site support, giving you exposure to both technical and practical aspects of engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instrumentation & controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you need a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering and a solid understanding of process control fundamentals. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software like AutoCAD or MATLAB is typically required, and certifications such as EIT/FE can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies ensure accurate system design, smooth project execution, and effective troubleshooting in complex industrial settings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer vs Entry Level Electrical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like CAP or ISA are a plusBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license optional for entry level
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsPower plants, electronics manufacturing, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageProcess industries, automation companies, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, electronics, consulting firms, construction
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes, while Entry Level Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but serve different technical functions within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Nashville, TN?

For Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Nashville, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Nashville, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Nashville, TN are:

What cities near Nashville, TN are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Nashville, TN with the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in Nashville, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,557 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Controls Engineer

MAHLE

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


MAHLE rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 491 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Your Contribution
As a Controls Engineer reporting to the Head of Supervisors, you will be responsible to provide advanced controls engineering expertise to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve a wide range of manufacturing process issues. The Controls Engineer supports production operations by improving key plant performance metrics, including equipment downtime, customer PPM, defect rates, and overall process reliability.
This position is responsible for supporting all aspects of Controls Engineering, including PLC/HMI systems, automation reliability, industrial networks, traceability systems, and manufacturing data management. The role also partners with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives, support root cause analysis, and ensure stable, efficient, and repeatable automated processes.
This role is responsible to:
  • Lead and support equipment troubleshooting events, in collaboration with process engineering and maintenance.
  • Participate with project teams to define and develop PLC programs for the plant, with the target to improve key plant measurable related to safety, quality and productivity.
  • Perform automation start-up and post start-up support for internal and external customer projects, both on software and hardware side.
  • Provide internal and external customer project feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Support the First-time thru quality initiative while customizing PLC program.
  • Document and maintain records of projects and PLC revisions.
  • Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Omron) and HMIs (PanelView, WinCC, Weintek).
  • Develop and integrate control systems for automation equipment, robotics (KUKA, FANUC, Kawasaki), and vision systems (Keyence, Cognex).
  • Lead system integration projects including testing, debugging, commissioning, and documentation.
  • Supervise installation and adjustment of control systems to meet specifications and compliance standards.
  • Manage project scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring timely delivery and cost control.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams (maintenance, production, engineering, vendors) to support automation upgrades and new line launches.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
  • Ensure compliance with NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and industry safety standards.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Just-In-Sequence concepts.
  • Production computer systems upgrading and maintaining computer programs, Device Wise, SQL, ACC, Lab View

Your Experience & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics engineering with extended experience working on automated processes environment.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience with solid knowledge in programming with Allen Bradley Rockwell Automation Software including Studio 5000 and Siemens S7.
  • Control Logix/RSLogix 5000, SLC 500/RSLogix 500, ability to program using Ladder Diagram, Functional Block Diagram, Structured Text and HMI Panel View.

Our Offering
We will provide a collaborative environment working on exciting assignments, along with ongoing personal & career development opportunities. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!
After receiving your online application, the interview process will typically be a screening call followed by Personal Interview(s)
For more information about MAHLE and what a career with us looks like for you, click here. and to learn more about our foundation owned technology group click here.
#DiversityMatters with our inclusive culture, we welcome applications from all social, religious & ethnical backgrounds, disabilities both mental and physical, identities (gender) and neurodivergent people.
MAHLE is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment-based non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, MAHLE offers many job opportunities outside of USA which can be found through our employment website ;/strong>
Do you have any questions?
US
Facts about the job
Benefits: Benefits-CH_CN_DI_IB_LI_MA_MP_MW_OB_PH
Entry level: Experienced hires
Part- / Full-time: Full Time
Functional area: Production
Department: BU2 Thermal and Fluid Systems
Location:

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