Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Automation Engineer jobs in Tennessee are in strong demand, driven by the state's established manufacturing base in automotive, food and beverage, and logistics sectors alongside a growing advanced-manufacturing corridor. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis are the primary hiring hubs, with employers like Volkswagen Group of America, Bridgestone Americas, and Nissan North America among the well-known names that consistently recruit for these roles at every level from entry-level controls technicians through senior systems engineers. PLC programming, SCADA integration, and robotics deployment are the most sought-after specialties across Tennessee facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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As the Controls & Automation Engineer, you will play a critical role in driving automation, operational excellence, and manufacturing performance across ICPG's North American facilities. You will lead and support automation initiatives, control system upgrades, and capital projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and efficiency.
This role serves as a key technical resource and cross-functional partner, working closely with operations, engineering, maintenance, EHS, and IT teams to implement and sustain advanced control systems. You will help bridge the gap between manufacturing operations and digital technologies by developing solutions that improve equipment performance, data visibility, and process optimization.
Success in this role requires the ability to design, integrate, troubleshoot, and continuously improve end-to-end automation systems—from plant-floor devices and controls to enterprise-level data and reporting platforms—while maintaining a strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
What Will You Do?
- Lead, support, and manage automation, PLC, SCADA, HMI, and controls-related initiatives across North American manufacturing sites.
- Design, implement, maintain, and upgrade industrial automation and control systems to improve manufacturing performance and reliability.
- Drive capital and continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction.
- Partner with site leadership and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for automation, process optimization, and operational improvements.
- Develop and maintain system architectures that integrate shop-floor controls with manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP platforms, and enterprise reporting tools.
- Support troubleshooting, commissioning, startup activities, and root cause analysis for equipment and process-related issues.
- Create dashboards, reporting tools, and visualization systems that enhance machine monitoring and operational decision-making.
- Support initiatives that monitor and optimize utilities consumption, including electricity, water, and gas usage.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, company standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Manage and coordinate automation-related vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure successful project execution.
- Identify and implement solutions that improve equipment uptime, process consistency, and overall plant performance.
- Promote and support a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Requirements:
- BS degree in electrical engineering, minimum of four (4) years’ experience in mechanical engineering in a manufacturing environment.
Technical Expertise Preferred
Tier 1 – Required
- PLC Programming
- SCADA/HMI Systems
- Electrical & Instrumentation Fundamentals
- Troubleshooting & Commissioning
- Industrial Networking
Tier 2 – Strongly Expected
System Integration (PLC MES- SAP)
- Data Analytics, SQL & Visualization
- Safety Standards & Regulatory Compliance
- Project Execution & Management
Tier 3 – Differentiators
- Robotics & Motion Control
- Advanced Process Control & Optimization
- IIoT, Digital Manufacturing & Industrial Analytics
We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex technical challenges across multiple sites. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong sense of urgency, excellent communication skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.
To Be Successful in This Role, You Will:
- Be available to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, with flexibility to support project needs and varying work schedules when required.
- Collaborate effectively with manufacturing sites across North America to drive automation, process improvements, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Manage multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlines and responding quickly to changing business needs.
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while partnering with cross-functional teams.
- Be willing to travel up to 50%, depending on project requirements.
- Maintain compliance with all safety standards and be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator when necessary.
- Bring a hands-on, proactive approach to troubleshooting, project execution, and continuous process improvement.
Why This Role?
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on manufacturing performance, automation strategy, and operational efficiency across our North American operations.
#LI-KC1
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
Chryso and GCP, Saint-Gobain brands in our Construction Chemicals business, are leading global designer and manufacturer of high-quality concrete admixture thanks to a strong commitment to research and innovation, coupled with adherence to the strictest manufacturing standards in the industry. Our admixtures are engineered to optimize the performance of our customers' specific concrete materials in a way that will maximize user satisfaction and economy.
We deliver significant added value and support to its clients, which includes assistance with client inventory control and prompt product deliveries.
LEGAL STATEMENT
Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.
Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at SGNA_HR_Compliance@saint-gobain.com.
BENEFITS IN JOINING US
Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:
Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child & Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
Job Reference: USA14840
See All 32 Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
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Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Retail
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering or a related discipline
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI configuration in a manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with robotics integration, particularly automotive or discrete-manufacturing applications
- Knowledge of electrical codes and safety standards including NFPA 70E and machine guarding
- Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings
Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an automation engineer in Tennessee?
Automation engineering in Tennessee does not require a state-issued license for most private-sector roles, though engineers who stamp designs for public projects may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, combined with hands-on PLC and controls experience. Certifications from organizations like PMMI or Rockwell Automation strengthen a candidate's profile significantly in the Tennessee market.
How much do automation engineers make in Tennessee?
Automation engineers in Tennessee earn a median of about $96,640 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $54,620 for the lowest 10% to over $155,960 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Tennessee right now include Ryder System, ProAutomated, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's concentration of automotive assembly plants, tire manufacturing facilities, and food-processing operations means demand is consistent across both large OEMs and the systems integrators and equipment suppliers that support them.
Which Tennessee cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Franklin are the Tennessee cities with the most automation engineer openings. Nashville's expanding logistics and advanced-manufacturing footprint drives volume there, while Chattanooga and Smyrna are home to major automotive assembly operations that generate steady controls and robotics demand, and Memphis anchors activity in distribution-center automation and food-and-beverage processing.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline tied to physical equipment on plant floors, so most roles require on-site presence. About 50% of automation engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be project-management, controls-design, or pre-sales applications engineering positions rather than commissioning or maintenance roles.
How can I get hired as an automation engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship at one of Tennessee's major manufacturers, where programs at companies like Bridgestone Americas or through Tennessee's community college advanced-manufacturing partnerships place students directly on production floors. Entry-level controls technician and instrumentation technician roles bridge into automation engineering, and completing a Rockwell Automation or Siemens PLC programming certification before your first interview gives you a concrete, verifiable skill that hiring managers in Tennessee notice.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across the state's major manufacturing and technology hubs. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 32 Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer Jobs