Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

BB Nash in Nashville, Tennessee facility, we produce protein bars for the US market, supporting continued nationwide growth through a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and support of automation and control systems across our manufacturing facility. This role will lead controls integration efforts for processing, packaging, utilities, and material handling systems while supporting operational reliability, system performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and automation systems with hands‑on troubleshooting ability in a high‑speed manufacturing environment.

This role is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a highly automated food manufacturing facility.

Key Responsibilities Automation & Controls Engineering

• 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
• Support integration of OEM equipment into plant‑wide automation systems
• Standardize controls platforms, programming structures, and documentation practices

Manufacturing Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide technical support for production and maintenance teams during equipment downtime and troubleshooting
• Diagnose electrical, controls, communication, and automation failures
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring equipment issues
• Optimize equipment performance, uptime, and process reliability
• Participate in startup, commissioning, and ramp‑up activities

Capital Projects & System Integration

• Lead controls portions of capital projects from concept through commissioning
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal stakeholders
• Support FAT/SAT execution and system validation activities
• Ensure proper controls documentation, backups, and change management processes
• Assist with project budgeting, timelines, and implementation planning

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for automation improvements, efficiency gains, and waste reduction
• Support Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives
• Develop performance monitoring tools, data collection methods, and reporting systems
• Drive standardization and scalability across manufacturing systems

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure automation 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 and proper lockout/tagout procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• 3+ years of controls engineering experience in manufacturing environments
• Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing preferred
• Strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Experience with industrial automation platforms such as:
  • Rockwell / Allen‑Bradley
  • Siemens
  • Ignition
  • Wonderware
  • FactoryTalk

Knowledge of:

• HMIs and SCADA systems
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
• VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and sensors
• Electrical schematics and panel design
• Experience supporting high‑speed automated manufacturing equipment
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project coordination skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with highly 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
• Experience with robotics and vision systems
• OSHA and machine safety knowledge
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience

Welcome with your application at the latest MONTH DATE 2026. We will review applications on an ongoing basis and the position may be filled before the last application day.

BB Nash is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.