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Sr Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Lexington, TN ยท On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

Job Summary a Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of ... more senior employees in the same area โ€ข Failure to achieve results requires allocation of ...

Overview / Responsibilities Wood Applied Intelligence -Automation and Controls is currently recruiting for a Senior Electrical Control Engineer to join our team in Tennesee (near Jackson). This ...

Showing results 21-40

Sr Controls Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$65.3K

$104.1K

$139.8K

How much do sr controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr controls engineer in Tennessee is $104,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $116,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Controls Engineer expect in this role?

As a Sr Controls Engineer, you will typically lead or contribute to projects involving the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems. Collaboration is common with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical and electrical engineers, software developers, and operations personnel, to ensure seamless integration of control systems. You may also work closely with project managers and clients to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and deliver solutions that align with production goals. This role often involves balancing technical problem-solving with strong communication skills to coordinate across departments.

What is a Sr Controls Engineer?

Sr Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or other industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery operates efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming PLCs, troubleshooting system issues, leading projects, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Senior-level controls engineers also mentor junior staff and contribute to the strategic improvement of automation processes.

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

To thrive as a Sr Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems design, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These qualifications ensure effective system integration, reliable automation solutions, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Sr Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSr Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering; often 5+ years experience; certifications like PLC or automation certificationsBachelor's in relevant engineering; 1-3 years experience; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation projectsSimilar industrial settings, project-based work, automation systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control industriesManufacturing, industrial automation, equipment design

The main difference between a Sr Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience level, responsibilities, and expertise. Sr Controls Engineers typically have more years of experience, handle complex automation projects, and may mentor junior staff. Controls Engineers are often earlier in their careers, focusing on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles are vital in industrial automation and share similar work environments and industry applications.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Sr Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Sr Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr Controls Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,126 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Associate Controls Engineer - Memphis

EAD Management Services Inc

Memphis, TN โ€ข On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Join EAD to help solve complex controls and automation challenges in industrial facilities.
EAD supports projects across industrial manufacturing facilities, including food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and parcel handling environments. This role offers the opportunity to lead a controls engineering team across projects of varying size and complexity in a fast-paced, multi-discipline, and practical engineering setting.
The Controls Engineer delivers accurate, practical, and high-quality controls engineering for industrial and manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for control system design, programming, field support, troubleshooting, and cross-discipline coordination. EAD expects strong performance at every level: Associate Controls Engineer is expected to perform well in front of clients, work effectively in demanding on-site environments, and take ownership of their work.
This role requires sound judgment in active industrial facilities where field conditions, client operations, and project timelines demand a composed, adaptable, and resourceful engineer.
What Success Looks Like
In this role, success means:
  • Delivering controls engineering work that is accurate, on time, on budget, and meets client and project requirements.
  • Producing functional, buildable, and well-documented control system solutions.
  • Coordinating effectively with project teams, other disciplines, and clients.
  • Performing confidently and professionally in field environments, including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
  • Continuously building technical skills and discipline versatility.
  • Owning your role in the success of the project by asking questions, closing loops, and learning fast.

Level Expectations
Associate Controls Engineer (3-6 years of experience)
  • Delivers quality controls engineering work with growing independence under the guidance of a Discipline Lead or senior team member.
  • Performs well in front of clients and in demanding on-site situations.
  • Supports proposals and estimates by contributing technical input and hours estimates.
  • Actively builds skills across control system platforms, field environments, and project types.
  • Participates in design reviews and contributes to quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, program, and commission PLC and DCS-based control systems for industrial and manufacturing facilities.
  • Develop and configure HMI and SCADA applications to meet client and project requirements.
  • Perform field activities including existing-condition verification, construction support, system checkout, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
  • Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, process, and other project team members to ensure controls scope aligns with overall project design and intent.
  • Prepare clear engineering deliverables including control system design documentation, specifications, instrument lists, and panel design input.
  • Support proposals and estimates with technical input, hours estimates, and scope definition appropriate to level.
  • Participate in and contribute to design reviews, quality checks, and lessons learned.
  • Interface with clients, vendors, contractors, and construction teams professionally and effectively.
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable codes and standards such as National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and International Society of Automation (ISA).
  • Communicate proactively with the project team and Discipline Lead regarding progress, issues, risks, and decisions.
  • Contribute to a safe working environment and follow EAD safety standards and practices.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education, military service, training, and experience may also be considered.
  • Associate: 3-6 years of controls engineering experience in industrial or manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with PLC and/or DCS-based control system design, programming, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with HMI or SCADA programming and configuration.
  • Experience performing field work including commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting in active industrial facilities.
  • Experience working with multi-discipline project teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to interact effectively with clients, project teams, and field personnel.
  • Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and deliver results within cost and schedule constraints.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in food and beverage, life sciences, pharmaceutical, parcel, or other industrial manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley platforms including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
  • CAP, CCST, PE, or similar relevant credential, or commitment to pursuing one.
  • Knowledge of NEC, NFPA, UL, and ISA codes and standards.
  • Experience supporting or leading controls input to proposals and cost estimates.
  • Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Automation Professional (CAP), or similar relevant credential.
  • Established industry relationships and a demonstrated ability to build client trust, support repeat business, and contribute to growth are strongly preferred.

Behavioral Expectations
  • Acts with integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism.
  • Owns commitments, follows through, and closes loops.
  • Communicates early and clearly when risks, questions, or changes arise.
  • Works in a way that helps the broader project team succeed.
  • Brings a practical, solution-oriented mindset to complex field and project challenges.
  • Seeks to understand field conditions, client needs, and cross-discipline impacts before acting.

Working Conditions
  • Office, plant, or client site environment*
  • Ability to perform field and client-site work.
  • Ability to sit and work at computer for extended periods of time
  • Ability to walk up numerous flights of stairs or ladders multiple times a day and/or work in tight spaces in extreme conditions
  • May work near moving mechanical parts and equipment*
  • Office, commercial and/or industrial setting with the potential of exposure to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals*
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.*
  • Travel required, with periods of significant travel depending on project needs.
  • Occasional night shift work may be required based on client operations and project schedules, though this is infrequent.
  • Periodic weekend, holiday or evening work as needed
  • Maintain a valid driver's license.

*EAD will provide training, administrative/engineering controls, and personal protective equipment as necessary.
We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background will lead to a better workplace for our employees and a better product for our customers.
EAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.