Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

About ERMCO

Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO) is the leading manufacturer of distribution transformers and engineered electrical solutions, serving electric utilities, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and industrial customers across North America. Headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., ERMCO delivers reliable, high-quality products that power homes, businesses, and communities across North America.

With commitments to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, ERMCO is at the forefront of supporting grid modernization and energy transition. Our vertically integrated operations, customer-focused culture, and investment in people and technology make ERMCO the Most Valued Partner for delivering resilient, sustainable power infrastructure for the future.

Job Summary

The Automation Engineer supports ERMCO’s transformer manufacturing operations by designing, implementing, and maintaining automation and control systems directly on the plant floor. This role works closely with production, maintenance, manufacturing engineering, and quality teams to improve safety, throughput, equipment reliability, and product consistency across transformer and component manufacturing processes.

This is a hands-on, individual contributor role requiring strong troubleshooting skills, comfort working on energized industrial equipment, and the ability to support live production in a fast-paced, nonunion manufacturing environment.

This role will be onsite in Dyersburg, TN. Relocation Assistance is available.

• Design, program, implement, and support industrial automation and control systems used in transformer and component manufacturing, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and industrial networks.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation, controls, and electrical issues affecting production equipment such as winding machines, core stacking systems, tank fabrication, drying ovens, impregnation systems, and test equipment.
• Work directly on the plant floor in a nonunion environment to support daily production operations and minimize equipment downtime.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC and HMI programs to support new equipment installations, process improvements, and product or design changes.
• Support commissioning, testing, and startup of new manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance to improve process capability, safety, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and error-proofing to improve quality and consistency in transformer manufacturing processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation including electrical schematics, control narratives, PLC/HMI code revisions, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards, electrical codes, and ERMCO policies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through data collection, analysis, and automation-driven solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience supporting automation and controls in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (e.g., AllenBradley, Siemens, or similar platforms).
• Experience with HMIs, industrial communication networks, sensors, VFDs, and basic motion control.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose electrical and controls issues on live production equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and technical documentation.
• Comfortable working directly on the plant floor in a nonunion manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with operators, technicians, and engineers.

Preferred

• Experience in transformer manufacturing, electrical equipment manufacturing, or other heavy industrial environments.
• Familiarity with transformer production processes such as coil winding, core assembly, tank fabrication, drying/curing, oil filling, and electrical testing.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards, lockout/tagout, and electrical safety practices.
• Experience with data collection, scripting, or automation-related tools (e.g., Python, SQL, VBA).
• Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience interfacing automation systems with ERP or MES platforms.

Join ERMCO and TRANSFORM your career!