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Senior Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

... Controls is currently recruiting for a Senior Electrical Control Engineer to join our team in ... identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant ...

Controls Engineer

Lexington, TN · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

... of more senior employees in the same area Failure to achieve results requires allocation of ... protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information ...

Controls Engineer

Lexington, TN · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

... more senior employees in the same area • Failure to achieve results requires allocation of ... protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information ...

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 ...

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Senior Protection Controls Engineer information

What is the difference between Senior Protection & Controls Engineer vs Protection & Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Protection & Controls EngineerProtection & Controls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and several years of experienceRequires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting protection systems in power plants or substationsAssist in installation, maintenance, and testing of protection systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in utility companies, power generation, and transmissionUsed in similar settings but often at entry or mid-level positions

The main difference is that Senior Protection & Controls Engineers typically have more experience, take on complex design and leadership roles, and oversee projects, whereas Protection & Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining protection systems at a more operational level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Protection & Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Protection & Controls Engineer, you need deep knowledge of power system protection, relay coordination, and control systems, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and several years of utility or industrial experience. Proficiency with relay software (such as SEL, GE, or ABB), CAD tools, and familiarity with NERC, IEEE, and utility standards are essential, with a Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help navigate complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial to ensure power system reliability, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient project execution.

What are Senior Protection & Controls Engineers?

Senior Protection & Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems that protect electrical power systems from faults and ensure reliable operation. They develop protective relaying schemes, coordinate with other engineers, and analyze system events to prevent outages or equipment damage. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting, compliance with industry standards, and mentoring junior engineers. These engineers play a critical role in safeguarding power infrastructure and ensuring the stability of the electrical grid.

How does a Senior Protection & Controls Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a substation upgrade project?

A Senior Protection & Controls Engineer plays a key role in cross-departmental collaboration during substation upgrade projects. They coordinate closely with design, construction, and commissioning teams to ensure protection schemes are correctly integrated into the overall system. This involves reviewing project requirements, providing technical support, and communicating updates or issues to project managers and field engineers. Effective collaboration ensures the project meets safety, reliability, and regulatory standards while staying on schedule.
What are the most commonly searched types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Senior Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Senior Protection & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Senior Protection & Controls Engineer job openings:
Senior Controls Engineer - Automation & Process Systems

Senior Controls Engineer - Automation & Process Systems

Hitachi, Ltd.

Nashville, TN • On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Location:
Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
Job ID:
R0117417
Date Posted:
2026-05-01
Company Name:
WRIGHT INDUSTRIES, LLC
Profession (Job Category):
Engineering & Science
Job Schedule:
Full time
Remote:
No
Job Description:
The Opportunity:
JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people, and we're always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as a Senior Controls Engineer.
We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer with strong hands-on experience in programming, debugging, and commissioning automated systems. This role focuses on PLC and HMI programming, robotics and vision integration, and continuous process automation across a range of complex equipment.
You will be deeply involved in building and refining control systems, supporting machine startups, and solving challenging automation problems in collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams. The position is primarily technical and execution-focused, with significant time spent on system development, troubleshooting, and on-site deployment.
Location Type: The position is onsite in Nashville, TN
What We Offer:
  • Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
  • Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
  • A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
  • Career growth and skill development opportunities
  • A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

How You'll Make an Impact:
  • Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds, from initial concept and system definition through programming, machine power-up, debugging, commissioning, and final acceptance.
  • Design and program control systems from the ground up, including PLC logic, HMI applications, robotics integration, vision systems, and SCADA solutions for new and custom automated equipment.
  • Design controls equipment and architectures to meet customer requirements, performance standards, and application specifications.
  • Support multiple automation projects concurrently while maintaining focus on technical quality, schedule execution, and customer requirements.
  • Lead and collaborate with cross-functional technical teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution and integration.
  • Serve as a technical expert within the department, providing guidance on controls architecture, programming approaches, and complex automation challenges.
  • Partner with engineering leadership to support technical development, training, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
  • Travel up to 25% to customer sites and company locations to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and project execution.

Note: This list of responsibilities is not inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience (two years of relevant work experience for each year of academic study), OR an Associate's degree with 2+ years of related experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related technical disciplines.
  • 2+ years of experience leading technical projects, with ownership of technical decisions and execution.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence engineers, supporting technical excellence and career progression.
  • Strong breadth and depth of experience with industrial automation technologies, systems, and industry practices.
  • Proven ability to identify systemic issues and implement improvements that increase department efficiency and engineering effectiveness.
  • Experience in the automation industry; prior JR Automation experience is strongly preferred.
  • Proven collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex, system-level problems.
  • Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting continuous processes in automated manufacturing environments.
  • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs is a plus.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.
Company Overview:
At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.
Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.
Fueled by Possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to jrcareers@jrautomation.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.

Hitachi Vantara logo

About Hitachi Vantara

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hitachi Rail is a fully integrated, global provider of rail solutions across rolling stock, signaling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey. With a presence in 38 countries across three continents and over 13,000 employees, our mission is to contribute to society through the continuous development of superior rail transport solutions.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2017