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.
Find Automation Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 31+ Automation Engineer jobs
At Cross Company, we don’t just show up for work—we show up for a company we actually own. As a 100% employee-owned industrial technology leader, we provide specialized expertise in automation, hydraulics, precision measurement, and more that keeps the world’s manufacturers moving.
We operate on the principle of Servant Leadership: we hire smart, driven people and then get out of their way so they can do what they do best. When you join the Cross team, you aren't just an employee; you’re an owner-associate in a stable, transparent, and high-performance environment where your voice truly matters.
JOB SUMMARY
Provide industrial control system design, integration, and technical assistance for process control systems built on the Rockwell Automation ecosystem. This requires an exemplary understanding of Rockwell hardware and software architectures combined with an assimilation of cross-defined execution processes, delivering high-value solutions to our customers.
The position requires excellent communication skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, lead, direct, mentor, and distribute work to meet customer requirements while executing within company values and upholding our cultural cornerstones. The ideal candidate will also have a strong interest in technical project leadership and the potential to advance into the project management group.
Major Job Responsibilities
Rockwell SME Leadership: Execute industrial automation projects using internal execution processes, acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Rockwell Automation process platforms (PlantPAx, ControlLogix, FactoryTalk).
Technical Delivery & Delegation: Lead project development and remain accountable for the technical delivery of all project phases while managing the distribution of engineering tasks across team members.
Scope & Budget Management: Effectively manage technical scope of delivery to ensure customer satisfaction while actively monitoring and adhering to project budget limitations.
Communication & Alignment: Provide clear, confident written and verbal communication to clients and internal engineering teams to define milestones and drive execution.
Prioritization: Self-manage and balance lead technical engineering responsibilities with commercial project realities.
Mentorship & Development: Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through insightful recommendations, structured code reviews, technical coaching, and constructive feedback.
Core Requirements
Customer Satisfaction: Manage customer relationships from inception to commissioning to ensure Rockwell-based deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
Quality Assurance: Ensure all automation designs follow established QA procedures, code standards, and the Procedure for Implementation of Projects (TISP.0001.10).
Profitability: Execute engineering tasks to ensure target project margins are achieved and delivery milestones are met.
Leadership: Develop team members, foster continuous improvement, and uphold high ethical business standards.
Multitasking: Balance lead engineering duties across multiple concurrent Rockwell integration projects.
Sales Support: Assist sales teams with technical proposals, architecture scoping, and customer discovery sessions to secure new project awards.
Team Management: Distribute, track, and review automation deliverables across team members to support project goals.
Customer Trust: Communicate persuasively and technically to instill confidence throughout the project lifecycle.
POSITION SPECIFICATION
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field with a minimum of ten (10) years of related industrial automation experience; OR
Associate degree (Technical) with a minimum of twelve (12) years of related industrial automation experience.
Proven track record delivering greenfield DCS and PLC-based process automation projects utilizing the Rockwell Automation ecosystem:
Rockwell ControlLogix & CompactLogix (Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000)
PlantPAx DCS (Process Library, system architecture, standard process strategies)
FactoryTalk Suite (FactoryTalk View SE/ME, FactoryTalk Batch, FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk AssetCentre)
Industrial Networks (EtherNet/IP, Stratix switches, CIP routing, drive integration)
P.E. license or PMP certification is a plus, but not required.
Knowledge & Technical Skills
Deep technical comprehension of Rockwell industrial automation architectures, system sizing, and hardware layout.
Strong proficiency with project productivity software:
Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Draw) / MS Office (Word, Excel)
Smartsheet
PDF Editor / Markup tools
AutoCAD / Visio (electrical drawing review, layout navigation, and control loop review)
Advanced proficiency in PLC and DCS programming languages (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Chart).
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, loop sheets, P&IDs, and control panel wiring to support commissioning and troubleshooting.
Quick learner with an ability to diagnose system performance bottlenecks and field network issues.
Specific Attributes
Strong verbal and written communication skills
High technical rigor and detail orientation
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities
Strong analytical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills
High self-motivation and initiative
Ability to handle project pressure and changing plant deadlines calmly
Team player focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment varies from the typical office environment to the plant site environment
Travel and overnights are associated with this position. Generally, most Sr. Engineers travel <20% overall. Cross aims to strike a healthy work-life balance for all employee-owners.
Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Requires walking primarily on a level surface for varying periods throughout the day in the plant site area. This could involve long periods of Computer work.
Able to lift or carry up to 40 lbs.
Postural activities include climbing, maneuvering, bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Ability to climb ladders, stairs, platforms, and scaffolding to diagnose/troubleshoot processes and equipment occasionally.
Ability to work in non-permit required spaces and at heights of 15' to 20'.
Physical effort is required, and continuous mental and visual attention required
Working in the plant site environment may require working more than 40 hours to support the work efforts
The performance of this position includes exposure to the manufacturing areas where certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Safety Glasses with Side Shields, Hearing Protection and Safety Shoes. Primary environment: ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment as found in a typical manufacturing environment.
At Cross Company, we don’t just show up for work—we show up for a company we actually own. As a 100% employee-owned industrial technology leader, we provide specialized expertise in automation, hydraulics, precision measurement, and more that keeps the world’s manufacturers moving.
We operate on the principle of Servant Leadership: we hire smart, driven people and then get out of their way so they can do what they do best. When you join the Cross team, you aren't just an employee; you’re an owner-associate in a stable, transparent, and high-performance environment where your voice truly matters.
JOB SUMMARY
Provide industrial control system design, integration, and technical assistance for process control systems built on the Rockwell Automation ecosystem. This requires an exemplary understanding of Rockwell hardware and software architectures combined with an assimilation of cross-defined execution processes, delivering high-value solutions to our customers.
The position requires excellent communication skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, lead, direct, mentor, and distribute work to meet customer requirements while executing within company values and upholding our cultural cornerstones. The ideal candidate will also have a strong interest in technical project leadership and the potential to advance into the project management group.
Major Job Responsibilities
Rockwell SME Leadership: Execute industrial automation projects using internal execution processes, acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Rockwell Automation process platforms (PlantPAx, ControlLogix, FactoryTalk).
Technical Delivery & Delegation: Lead project development and remain accountable for the technical delivery of all project phases while managing the distribution of engineering tasks across team members.
Scope & Budget Management: Effectively manage technical scope of delivery to ensure customer satisfaction while actively monitoring and adhering to project budget limitations.
Communication & Alignment: Provide clear, confident written and verbal communication to clients and internal engineering teams to define milestones and drive execution.
Prioritization: Self-manage and balance lead technical engineering responsibilities with commercial project realities.
Mentorship & Development: Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through insightful recommendations, structured code reviews, technical coaching, and constructive feedback.
Core Requirements
Customer Satisfaction: Manage customer relationships from inception to commissioning to ensure Rockwell-based deliverables meet or exceed expectations.
Quality Assurance: Ensure all automation designs follow established QA procedures, code standards, and the Procedure for Implementation of Projects (TISP.0001.10).
Profitability: Execute engineering tasks to ensure target project margins are achieved and delivery milestones are met.
Leadership: Develop team members, foster continuous improvement, and uphold high ethical business standards.
Multitasking: Balance lead engineering duties across multiple concurrent Rockwell integration projects.
Sales Support: Assist sales teams with technical proposals, architecture scoping, and customer discovery sessions to secure new project awards.
Team Management: Distribute, track, and review automation deliverables across team members to support project goals.
Customer Trust: Communicate persuasively and technically to instill confidence throughout the project lifecycle.
POSITION SPECIFICATION
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field with a minimum of ten (10) years of related industrial automation experience; OR
Associate degree (Technical) with a minimum of twelve (12) years of related industrial automation experience.
Proven track record delivering greenfield DCS and PLC-based process automation projects utilizing the Rockwell Automation ecosystem:
Rockwell ControlLogix & CompactLogix (Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000)
PlantPAx DCS (Process Library, system architecture, standard process strategies)
FactoryTalk Suite (FactoryTalk View SE/ME, FactoryTalk Batch, FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk AssetCentre)
Industrial Networks (EtherNet/IP, Stratix switches, CIP routing, drive integration)
P.E. license or PMP certification is a plus, but not required.
Knowledge & Technical Skills
Deep technical comprehension of Rockwell industrial automation architectures, system sizing, and hardware layout.
Strong proficiency with project productivity software:
Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Draw) / MS Office (Word, Excel)
Smartsheet
PDF Editor / Markup tools
AutoCAD / Visio (electrical drawing review, layout navigation, and control loop review)
Advanced proficiency in PLC and DCS programming languages (Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Chart).
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, loop sheets, P&IDs, and control panel wiring to support commissioning and troubleshooting.
Quick learner with an ability to diagnose system performance bottlenecks and field network issues.
Specific Attributes
Strong verbal and written communication skills
High technical rigor and detail orientation
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities
Strong analytical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills
High self-motivation and initiative
Ability to handle project pressure and changing plant deadlines calmly
Team player focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment varies from the typical office environment to the plant site environment
Travel and overnights are associated with this position. Generally, most Sr. Engineers travel <20% overall. Cross aims to strike a healthy work-life balance for all employee-owners.
Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Requires walking primarily on a level surface for varying periods throughout the day in the plant site area. This could involve long periods of Computer work.
Able to lift or carry up to 40 lbs.
Postural activities include climbing, maneuvering, bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Ability to climb ladders, stairs, platforms, and scaffolding to diagnose/troubleshoot processes and equipment occasionally.
Ability to work in non-permit required spaces and at heights of 15' to 20'.
Physical effort is required, and continuous mental and visual attention required
Working in the plant site environment may require working more than 40 hours to support the work efforts
The performance of this position includes exposure to the manufacturing areas where certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Safety Glasses with Side Shields, Hearing Protection and Safety Shoes. Primary environment: ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment as found in a typical manufacturing environment.
See All 31 Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Retail
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
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 Sargent & Lundy, Drive, and ITR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Knoxville, and Memphis 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 73% of automation engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 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 31 Automation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer Jobs