Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Controls Engineer jobs in Tennessee are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in automotive manufacturing, chemical processing, and industrial automation across a seniority range from entry-level PLC technicians through senior process control engineers. The heaviest hiring activity is in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, where employers like Volkswagen Group of America, Eastman Chemical, and Tennessee Valley Authority maintain large operations that depend on controls expertise. The most sought-after specialties are PLC and SCADA programming, motion control, and distributed control systems integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 4 of 70+ Controls Engineer jobs
Lake Superior Consulting is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join our growing team!
The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for leading and executing the electrical controls engineering scope on moderate to large industrial projects. This includes providing technical leadership, developing engineering designs and construction deliverables, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and project stakeholders, and supporting successful project execution through all phases of design and construction.
Responsibilities:
Lead moderate to large-scale electrical controls projects, providing technical direction and decision-making on complex engineering issues
Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering and design teams to develop complete, high-quality design deliverables
Develop controls drawings, specifications, engineering studies, calculations, reports, and supporting documentation
Design and review industrial control systems including instrumentation, control panels, communication networks, and control system architectures
Perform technical reviews to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and engineering best practices
Interface effectively with project managers, clients, vendors, and contractors throughout project execution
Execute project assignments as the discipline lead, subject matter expert, and engineer of record
Monitor discipline scope, schedule, and technical risks, supporting project teams in identifying issues and developing effective solutions
Provide technical guidance, quality oversight, and mentorship to junior engineers and designers
Travel up to 10% to project sites and client facilities for field investigations, design verification, and client meetings
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited university
5+ years of related electrical engineering experience
Demonstrated experience with industrial control systems, instrumentation, and automation
Experience supporting projects through multiple phases including conceptual design, detailed design, and construction
Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70E, API, and AGA recommended practices
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure
Experience with control panel design, remote I/O systems, and industrial networking
Familiarity with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems
Experience developing control narratives and cause-and-effect diagrams
Experience in oil & gas, pipeline, power generation, renewables, or other industrial process facilities
Experience with AutoDesk AutoCAD and Bluebeam
Personal Competencies:
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
Ability to think conceptually and drive projects from conception through implementation
Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to lead project teams
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under schedule-driven environments
Self-motivated with a commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
Be Part of Something Bigger – Join the Team at Lake Superior Consulting!
At LSC, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with top-tier talent and take on meaningful projects in industries including Liquids and Natural Gas, Power, Mining, Water and Wastewater, Renewables, and Manufacturing.
If you’re driven, curious, and ready to grow your career while making a difference, we want to hear from you.
Lake Superior Consulting offers a competitive compensation package. The actual starting salary will be determined based on a variety of factors, including your skills, experience, and office/market location. The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 - $132,800.
Our benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Flexible work options
- 401K (6% company match)
- Company paid life, AD&D, and short/long term disability
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays (twelve per year)
- Tuition reimbursement
Bias-Free Hiring Practices:
Lake Superior Consulting is proud to be an Equal Employment employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Lake Superior Consulting is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join our growing team!
The Electrical Controls Engineer is responsible for leading and executing the electrical controls engineering scope on moderate to large industrial projects. This includes providing technical leadership, developing engineering designs and construction deliverables, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and project stakeholders, and supporting successful project execution through all phases of design and construction.
Responsibilities:
Lead moderate to large-scale electrical controls projects, providing technical direction and decision-making on complex engineering issues
Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering and design teams to develop complete, high-quality design deliverables
Develop controls drawings, specifications, engineering studies, calculations, reports, and supporting documentation
Design and review industrial control systems including instrumentation, control panels, communication networks, and control system architectures
Perform technical reviews to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and engineering best practices
Interface effectively with project managers, clients, vendors, and contractors throughout project execution
Execute project assignments as the discipline lead, subject matter expert, and engineer of record
Monitor discipline scope, schedule, and technical risks, supporting project teams in identifying issues and developing effective solutions
Provide technical guidance, quality oversight, and mentorship to junior engineers and designers
Travel up to 10% to project sites and client facilities for field investigations, design verification, and client meetings
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited university
5+ years of related electrical engineering experience
Demonstrated experience with industrial control systems, instrumentation, and automation
Experience supporting projects through multiple phases including conceptual design, detailed design, and construction
Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70E, API, and AGA recommended practices
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure
Experience with control panel design, remote I/O systems, and industrial networking
Familiarity with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems
Experience developing control narratives and cause-and-effect diagrams
Experience in oil & gas, pipeline, power generation, renewables, or other industrial process facilities
Experience with AutoDesk AutoCAD and Bluebeam
Personal Competencies:
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
Ability to think conceptually and drive projects from conception through implementation
Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to lead project teams
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under schedule-driven environments
Self-motivated with a commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound designs
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
Be Part of Something Bigger – Join the Team at Lake Superior Consulting!
At LSC, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with top-tier talent and take on meaningful projects in industries including Liquids and Natural Gas, Power, Mining, Water and Wastewater, Renewables, and Manufacturing.
If you’re driven, curious, and ready to grow your career while making a difference, we want to hear from you.
Lake Superior Consulting offers a competitive compensation package. The actual starting salary will be determined based on a variety of factors, including your skills, experience, and office/market location. The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 - $132,800.
Our benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Flexible work options
- 401K (6% company match)
- Company paid life, AD&D, and short/long term disability
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Paid holidays (twelve per year)
- Tuition reimbursement
Bias-Free Hiring Practices:
Lake Superior Consulting is proud to be an Equal Employment employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
See All 70 Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Chemicals & Materials
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI development for industrial or manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with instrumentation, control loops, and process automation in manufacturing or chemical settings
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control panel drawings
- Strong troubleshooting skills for automated systems with experience in a plant or production environment
Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Tennessee?
Most controls engineer roles in Tennessee require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program. While Tennessee does not require a state-issued controls engineering license for most industrial positions, engineers who provide services to the public must hold a Professional Engineer license issued through the Tennessee State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Strong candidates build hands-on PLC and SCADA skills through internships, co-op programs, or technical training before their first role.
How much do controls engineers make in Tennessee?
Controls engineers in Tennessee earn a median of about $99,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,200 for the lowest 10% to over $132,040 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Tennessee right now include Sargent & Lundy, Jobot, and BNH, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's combination of automotive assembly plants, chemical manufacturers, and utilities creates a broad and steady base of controls engineering demand across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis have the most controls engineer openings in Tennessee. Nashville anchors demand through its expanding advanced manufacturing and infrastructure base, Chattanooga draws heavily from Volkswagen's assembly operations and its growing supplier network, and Knoxville is supported by Eastman Chemical, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which together generate consistent openings for process and systems controls engineers.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on role tied to physical equipment, so most positions require on-site presence at a plant, facility, or job site. About 54% of controls engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in systems design, project engineering, or technical sales support rather than direct plant operations.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a co-op or internship at one of Tennessee's large manufacturers, where Volkswagen, Eastman Chemical, and TVA regularly bring on engineering students for structured rotations. New graduates can also apply for associate controls engineer or automation technician roles, which serve as direct on-ramps to full controls positions. Candidates who earn a credential in PLC programming through a technical college like Chattanooga State or Pellissippi State, or who build a portfolio of documented automation projects, stand out when competing without prior full-time experience.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the Tennessee market. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
See All 70 Controls Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer Jobs