Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

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

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

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)

This is a hybrid position in Nashville,TN.

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.