Weekend Principal Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: Minimum 6 months

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support production operations through the troubleshooting, programming, and optimization of plant automation equipment. This role will focus on PLC and robotic programming, electrical troubleshooting, process optimization, equipment reliability, and the development of automation solutions that improve cycle times, quality, and overall production efficiency.

The ideal candidate has strong hands-on controls experience, including PLC programming, Fanuc and ABB robotics, industrial networking, HMIs, drives, and vision systems. This position will work closely with Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and other plant teams while also providing technical training and support for controls-related systems.

● BSEE or BSME degree required

● 3–5 years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs and robots

● Strong understanding of Fanuc and ABB robot operations

● Demonstrated knowledge of ladder logic programming, PLC-5, SLC500, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, RIO, Ethernet/IP, and DeviceNet

● Understanding of Ethernet cabling and addressing, DeviceNet, RIO, and wireless PC networking

● Working knowledge of AC/DC motors and servo systems

● Working knowledge of Kinetix, Ultra3000, PowerFlex, 1305, and 1338 drives

● Understanding of HMIs, including PanelView Plus and PanelView hardware

● Demonstrated understanding of Cognex In-Sight software

● Ability to perform electrical troubleshooting and read electrical prints

● Ability to wire industrial control systems, including 480V/120V/24V power, drives, motors, I/O, and sensors

● Ability to connect to PLCs and navigate programming software

● Ability to design, diagnose, and troubleshoot vision applications

● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

● Hands-on approach to troubleshooting and technical problem solving

● Valid driver's license required for business travel

● Regular and predictable attendance required

● Ability and willingness to work beyond a traditional 40-hour workweek, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as project and production demands require

● 1–3 years of Siemens S7 programming experience

● Experience with RSNetWorx, RSView Studio, and PanelBuilder software

● Experience programming and troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment

● Experience with robotic programming and point-touching

● Experience developing and implementing new automation technology

● Experience supporting preventative maintenance planning for automated equipment

● Experience training maintenance technicians, engineers, or other plant personnel on controls-related systems

● Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

● Experience working with cross-functional manufacturing teams

● Support production by troubleshooting and programming existing and new plant automation equipment

● Program and design new and existing PLC control systems

● Program robots and touch up robot points as needed to support production requirements

● Work with Production and Process Engineering to optimize line flow, cycle times, and quality through programming changes and controls troubleshooting

● Travel to sister plants as needed to support projects and core job functions

● Maintain accurate project schedules and task timelines across multiple plant projects

● Help develop preventative maintenance plans for new and existing plant equipment

● Support the development and implementation of new automation technology to improve cycle times and quality detection/prevention systems

● Train plant technicians and engineers on controls-related skills and equipment

● Create, update, and correct plant electrical drawings for equipment

● Troubleshoot electrical control systems, PLCs, HMIs, robots, drives, sensors, and related automation equipment

● Support the development of accurate equipment and project quoting models

● Perform electrical troubleshooting and interpret electrical schematics and prints

● Wire and troubleshoot industrial control systems involving 480V, 120V, and 24V power, drives, motors, I/O, and sensors

● Diagnose and troubleshoot vision applications and Cognex In-Sight systems

● Connect to PLCs and navigate programming software to diagnose and resolve production issues

● Maintain effective communication with Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and other plant teams

● Provide hands-on technical support to resolve day-to-day production and equipment issues

● Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on uptime, cycle time, quality, and overall plant efficiency

● Adhere to all company safety requirements, policies, and procedures

● Uphold company values of Safety, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Excellence, and Trust

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