Protection And Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and support of automation and control systems across a highly automated manufacturing facility. This role leads controls integration efforts for processing, packaging, utilities, and material handling systems while ensuring operational reliability, system performance, and continuous improvement. This position is critical to maintaining the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a high-speed manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems.
• Support automation integration across processing, packaging, utilities, and conveying systems.
• Develop and maintain control system architectures, network layouts, and electrical documentation.
• Configure and support VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and process controls.
• Integrate OEM equipment into plant-wide automation systems.
• Drive standardization of controls platforms, programming structures, and documentation.
• Provide technical support during equipment downtime and production issues.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, communication, and automation failures.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Optimize equipment uptime, performance, and process the person startup, commissioning, and ramp-up activities.
• Lead controls-related aspects of capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Support FAT/SAT execution and system validation.
• Ensure proper documentation, backups, and change management processes.
• Assist with project planning, budgeting, and timelines.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.
• Support Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.
• Develop performance monitoring tools, data collection methods, and reporting systems.
• Drive standardization and scalability across manufacturing systems.
• Ensure systems comply with food safety, GMP, and site safety standards.
• Support machine safety assessments and implementation of safety controls.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, electrical, and industrial automation standards.
• Promote safe work practices, including proper lockout/tagout procedures.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with industrial automation platforms (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk).
• Knowledge of HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and panel designs.
• Experience supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project coordination skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• Experience with automated processing and packaging systems.
• Knowledge of batch systems and process automation.
• Experience with MES, OEE, and manufacturing data systems.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and SQF environments.
• Knowledge of OSHA and machine safety standards.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience in automotive or pharmaceutical industries is acceptable.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Have good benefits and will be direct so will have their benefits from the start.

This is a fully onsite position in Nashville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 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.

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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.

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