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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 ...

Controls Engineer (Power & Utilities) Location: Arnold AFB, Tennessee Job Family Code: O ... Under the mentorship of senior engineers, you will split your time between office-based design ...

Electrical Controls Engineer 3

Maryville, TN ยท On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

... senior management. * Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure * Ability to work ... as a Controls Engineer or related experience * Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer ...

... senior management. * Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure * Ability to work ... as a Controls Engineer or related experience * Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 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 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 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 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 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,126 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Controls Engineer (Power & Utilities)

BNH

Arnold Air Force Base, TN โ€ข On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview
Job Title: Controls Engineer (Power & Utilities)
Location: Arnold AFB, Tennessee
Job Family Code: O-Engineering
Function/Branch: Engineering / Utilities
Directorate: Asset Management
Position Type: Regular, Full-Time
Pay Type: Exempt
Grade: L06 (OA0671)
Salary Range or Starting Hourly Rate: $75,000 - $94,000 /year
Overview
Beyond New Horizons, LLC (BNH) has a unique opportunity for a Controls Engineer to support critical national defense infrastructure at Arnold AFB, TN. As part of our Test Operations and Sustainment (TOS) II team, you will play a direct role in maintaining and modernizing the complex utility systems that power America's most advanced aerospace testing facilities.
Open to internal and external candidates
Job Summary
We are seeking a proactive and technically curious early career Controls Engineer to join our Power Control group. This entry-level role is designed for a motivated engineer eager to develop hands-on expertise in engineering, maintenance, and technical support of utility control and monitoring systems critical to our test facilities. Under the mentorship of senior engineers, you will split your time between office-based design/analysis and active, hands-on field testing. This role requires a strong willingness to learn, a proactive troubleshooting mindset, and a passion for working directly with industrial hardware in the field.
Job Duties:
  • System Support & Learning: Assist in supporting PLC/DCS platforms from vendors like GE, Schneider Electric, Rockwell, and ABB under senior engineering guidance
  • Utility Operations: Help maintain control systems for critical utilities, including electrical distribution, water/wastewater treatment, cooling water plants, and steam plants
  • Hands-on Fieldwork: Participate in field commissioning, instrumentation troubleshooting, and system testing alongside experienced technicians
  • Data & Metering: Assist with utility instrumentation and the optimization of our Schneider HMI-based meter reading and data collection systems
  • Lifecycle & Projects: Support capital investment projects through their lifecycle, contributing to design packages, drawings, and testing documentation
  • Compliance & Security: Learn and apply DoW network and cybersecurity directives to control systems under the guidance of our IT and security teams
  • Collaboration: Work closely with Instrument Technicians and Utility Supervisors to learn practical system maintenance and programming
  • It is a condition of employment to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in accordance with supervisory direction and company policy.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications:
  • NOTE: This posting is for engineers with less than 2 years of post-degree engineering experience
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret level security clearance and access to the AEDC local area network
  • Due to Air Force Security requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required for employment at AEDC

Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or progress toward obtaining it
  • Foundational knowledge or academic coursework in PLC programming concepts, industrial communication protocols, or feedback control systems
  • Classroom or internship exposure to programming environments (etc. MATLAB/Simulink, Rockwell Studio 5000, LabVIEW) or basic programming languages (Ladder Logic, C/C++, Python)
  • Familiarity with or interest in cybersecurity concepts, network segmentation, or operations system security
  • Strong communication skills and an eagerness to transition from academic concepts to real-world, industrial field engineering
  • Relevant internships, co-ops, or senior design project work in control systems, robotics, or automation will be highly valued

What We Offer
  • Competitive salaries
  • Continuing education assistance
  • Multiple healthcare benefits packages
  • 401K with employer matching
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are
Beyond New Horizons (BNH) is a fully populated joint venture of Astrion and Fluor Federal Services, Inc. formed to provide unmatched Test Operations and Sustainment services for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
We chose our name to serve as an enduring reminder of our commitment to AEDC's rich aerospace research and development legacy anchored in AEDC's Toward New Horizons founding study and the unprecedented opportunities to greatly expand AEDC's capabilities and capacity Beyond those existing today. Leveraging the capabilities of our parent companies, BNH specializes in testing and evaluation for military and space systems combined with proven capability in large-scale Government program management, integration, engineering, and construction services for specialized and technically advanced high-hazard facilities.
Join our Team!
U.S. Citizenship is required. At this time BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1b, F1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, E-2, E-3, L-1, or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations and refers to the amount BNH is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time jobs will be adjusted based upon the number of hours agreed to work at location Tennessee: Arnold Air Force, TN.
$75,000 - $94,000 /year at Arnold Air Force Base, TN.
BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, and any other grounds for discrimination prohibited by applicable law.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.