Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Control Systems Engineer jobs in Tennessee are consistently active, with demand concentrated in automotive manufacturing, defense, and industrial automation sectors and openings at every level from entry-level technician-to-engineer transitions through senior principal roles. Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the state's primary hiring hubs, anchored by established employers such as Volkswagen Group of America, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Nissan North America. The most sought-after specialties in Tennessee are PLC programming, SCADA systems integration, and process automation for discrete and continuous manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Control Systems Engineer jobs
As a member of a multi-disciplined project team, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering and PLC/HMI design by performing the following duties:
- Work on project teams with other discipline engineers involved in the design of new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and other industrial control system platforms
- Prepare specifications and design media for the procurement and implementation of software, instrumentation, and control system platforms
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training in our Automation Lab, you will increase your knowledge and skills in Automation/Control Systems Engineering
- Develop your career via peer learning by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice"
- Travel to client offices and project sites, as required
Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.
Essential skills and experience:
- Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
- BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program; MS degree preferred
- 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in instrumentation and controls or automation and control systems engineering
- Proven ability to interface with craft for troubleshooting and problem solving
- Experienced with designing, programming, documenting, and/or testing automated machinery or processes at industrial facilities
- Experienced with industrial communication design (Ethernet IP is preferred and a familiarity with Modbus and Profibus is a plus)
- Experienced with producing P&IDs, Control System Narratives, I/O Lists, Cause and Effect or Logic Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Factory Acceptance Test Procedures, and Software documentation including O&M manuals
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Experienced with programming Rockwell RSLogix 5000 and RSView
- Fabrication, Construction, and Instrumentation & Control System Testing
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
As a member of a multi-disciplined project team, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering and PLC/HMI design by performing the following duties:
- Work on project teams with other discipline engineers involved in the design of new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and other industrial control system platforms
- Prepare specifications and design media for the procurement and implementation of software, instrumentation, and control system platforms
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training in our Automation Lab, you will increase your knowledge and skills in Automation/Control Systems Engineering
- Develop your career via peer learning by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice"
- Travel to client offices and project sites, as required
Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.
Essential skills and experience:
- Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
- BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program; MS degree preferred
- 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in instrumentation and controls or automation and control systems engineering
- Proven ability to interface with craft for troubleshooting and problem solving
- Experienced with designing, programming, documenting, and/or testing automated machinery or processes at industrial facilities
- Experienced with industrial communication design (Ethernet IP is preferred and a familiarity with Modbus and Profibus is a plus)
- Experienced with producing P&IDs, Control System Narratives, I/O Lists, Cause and Effect or Logic Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Factory Acceptance Test Procedures, and Software documentation including O&M manuals
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Experienced with programming Rockwell RSLogix 5000 and RSView
- Fabrication, Construction, and Instrumentation & Control System Testing
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 14 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Control Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Control Systems Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in control systems engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Hands-on experience with PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi in a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial network protocols including Ethernet/IP and Modbus
- Familiarity with automotive or defense manufacturing processes common to Tennessee production facilities
- Experience reading and developing electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and P&ID diagrams
- Professional Engineer license or active pursuit of PE licensure through the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners preferred for senior roles
Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a control systems engineer in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering as the foundation. No mandatory state license applies to the title itself, but senior and project-lead roles frequently prefer or require a Professional Engineer license issued through the Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, which involves passing the FE and PE exams. Practical PLC and SCADA experience, gained through internships, co-ops, or trades-to-engineering bridge programs at Tennessee manufacturers, is often as decisive as the degree.
How much do control systems engineers make in Tennessee?
Control systems 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 control systems engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring control systems engineers in Tennessee right now include Sargent & Lundy, RoviSys, and Type One Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's strong automotive and defense manufacturing base means hiring cycles at these employers are relatively consistent throughout the year rather than concentrated in a single season.
Which Tennessee cities have the most control systems engineer jobs?
Knoxville, Nashville, and Oak Ridge account for the largest share of control systems engineer openings in Tennessee. Nashville draws the broadest mix of employers given its size and infrastructure investment, while Chattanooga and Knoxville concentrate hiring around automotive assembly, chemical processing, and Tennessee Valley Authority operations that require continuous process control and power systems expertise.
Are there remote control systems engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Control systems engineering is fundamentally hands-on work tied to physical equipment, so most roles require on-site presence for commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance. About 90% of control systems engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to cover design, documentation, and programming phases rather than full-time field work.
How can I get hired as a control systems engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for automation technician or electrical engineering technician roles at Tennessee's automotive and industrial manufacturers, then transitioning into controls engineering as you build PLC and SCADA experience. Volkswagen's and Nissan's Tennessee plants periodically hire engineering associates and co-op students through university partnerships with Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee. Earning a Certified Automation Professional credential or completing a manufacturer-specific PLC training program gives candidates a clear competitive edge when experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to control systems engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to control systems engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers actively hiring right now. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly from the listing.
See All 14 Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Control Systems Engineer Jobs