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Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$55 - $65/hr

Controls Engineer - Must be citizen for this role We are seeking a dedicated Controls Engineer to ... protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification ...

Controls Engineer The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and maintains industrial control and ... protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen ... The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system ...

Job Title: Controls Engineer The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming ... protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification ...

Controls Engineer II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

Our Controls Engineering teams are made of talented engineers who enjoy thinking outside the box ... Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with ...

Controls Engineer

Ethridge, TN · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

The controls engineer works in a manufacturing plant environment and will be exposed to some ... data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to ...

Controls Engineer

Ethridge, TN

$76K - $99K/yr

Through our robust product engineering, outstanding tooling capabilities and diverse process ... data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to ...

Controls Engineer II

Nashville, TN

$80K - $104K/yr

Our Controls Engineering teams are made of talented engineers who enjoy thinking outside the box ... Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with ...

... for a Controls Engineer II with extensive experience in our Nashville (Smyrna), TN office ... identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant ...

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Showing results 1-20

Protection And Controls Engineer information

How much do protection and controls engineers make in the US?

Protection and controls engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in automation, relay settings, and control systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What is a protection and controls engineer?

Protection and Controls Engineers are specialized electrical engineers who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power grids and equipment from faults and failures. They ensure the reliable operation of substations and transmission networks by developing control schemes and selecting protective relays and devices. Their work helps prevent equipment damage, power outages, and safety hazards by quickly detecting and isolating electrical faults. These engineers collaborate with utility companies, work with advanced protective technologies, and play a critical role in maintaining grid stability and safety.

How does a protection and controls engineer typically collaborate with other teams during substation projects?

Protection and Controls Engineers frequently work in close partnership with design, commissioning, and operations teams during substation projects. They are responsible for coordinating relay settings, reviewing control schematics, and ensuring that protection systems align with overall project requirements. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers must integrate feedback from field technicians and project managers to address technical challenges and maintain system reliability. This collaborative environment helps ensure that all protection and control systems function safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protection and controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection and Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, particularly in power systems, supported by a relevant degree and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, and SCADA systems, along with knowledge of NERC and IEEE standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with teams and ensuring system reliability. These skills and qualifications are crucial to designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relays and control systems that ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical grids.
What job categories do people searching Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Protection And Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Protection And Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Protection And Controls Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Controls Engineer

Actalent

Nashville, TN • Hybrid

$55 - $65/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer - Must be citizen for this role

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Controls Engineer to drive continuous improvement for all Control Systems at our centers. You will identify opportunities to innovate current automation systems or enhance existing control systems. Acting as the technical representative, you will review PLC code and suggest modifications for implementation. Your role will involve analyzing data across multiple locations to find standardization opportunities and root causes for rework, aiding in creating control systems templates. You will collaborate with material handling sites to foster innovation in automation and controls.

Responsibilities

  • Work independently with internal and external engineering teams to deliver high-quality cross-functional projects.
  • Partner with project managers and external vendors to set project priorities, establish milestones, and meet deadlines.
  • Influence and review technical documentation, and engage in system layouts and solutions.
  • Represent system or equipment designs to customers and other teams.
  • Communicate project status, answer questions, and produce summaries for leadership.
  • Develop strong working relationships with vendors, engineers, managers, and peers.
  • Participate in design reviews and support execution efforts, emphasizing electrical and controls layout.
  • Develop quality and performance test plans with internal teams to ensure vendor system quality.
  • Build strong relationships with leadership, operations teams, and business stakeholders.
  • Identify and lead process improvement initiatives for operations teams.

Essential Skills

  • Proficiency in PLC programming and Allen-Bradley systems.
  • Experience with improving and modifying control systems for process improvements.
  • Ability to manage outside vendors and review controls to specifications.
  • Experience with PLC, HMI, electrical codes, electrical standards, and material handling.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • 4+ years of experience in controls engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering, or project management.
  • Experience with managing material handling or automation projects.
  • Design and implementation experience in electrical and controls areas of integrated automation solutions.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products: Excel, Project, and Outlook.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with SCADA/HMI development and implementation is preferred.
  • Experience improving/modifying Control Systems for process improvements.
  • Ability to program from scratch in controls engineering.
  • Experience with vendor quality assurance and Java.

Work Environment

On weeks where the candidate is not traveling, they are able to work remotely from home. Travel is required 25-30% of the time, typically involving 2-3 days of travel and NO weekend travel.

APPLY TODAY!

Taylor Brantley Sr. Recruiter

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Nashville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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