Controls Technician Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's controls technician jobs span automotive manufacturing in Smyrna and Spring Hill, chemical processing along the Tennessee River corridor, and food production facilities statewide. Major employers including Nissan, Volkswagen, and Eastman Chemical have histories of sponsoring skilled technicians. Nashville, Chattanooga, and Kingsport anchor most visa sponsorship hiring activity in this role.
See All Controls Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 274+ Controls Technician Jobs in Tennessee with Visa Sponsorship jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 274+ Controls Technician Jobs in Tennessee with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Controls Technician Jobs in Tennessee with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 79,000 miles of pipelines and 139 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Our terminals store and handle various commodities including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, chemicals, metals, petroleum coke and ethanol and other renewable fuels and feedstocks.
Kinder Morgan is committed to being a good corporate citizen and conducting ourselves in an ethical and responsible manner. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on integrity management and maintenance programs to operate our assets safely and to protect the public, our employees, contractors and the environment. Operationally, we continue to perform better than our industry peers relative to environmental, health and safety measures.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Equipment and Controls Technician (E&C Tech) is based out of Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) Portland Compressor Station Number 87 located at 208 TGT Road, Portland, TN 37148. This is a Monday through Friday position with some on-call responsibilities nights and weekends.
E&C Primary Purpose:
Implements, troubleshoots and maintains electrical power circuits, all mechanical equipment, control and automation systems, electronic and pneumatic equipment used in pipeline, compressor stations and plant operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implements, troubleshoots and maintains electrical power circuits and equipment, control and automation systems, electronic and pneumatic equipment used in pipeline, all mechanical equipment, compressor stations, plant operations and measurement facilities.
- Installs, inspects, maintains, operates, troubleshoots, repairs, calibrates, and adjusts various mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, electronic, and Programmable Logic (PLC) control systems.
- Perform preventative maintenance checks on pumps, compressors, drivers, and auxiliary equipment.
- Performs Inspection and Maintenance (I & M) checks on all control systems.
- Maintain electrical switch gear and power distribution.
- Performs mechanical troubleshooting and repair of all station equipment.
- Perform advanced engine/compressor/pump analytical testing. Lead efforts to develop and implement changes as a result of the analytical testing.
- Assist Corrosion and Engineering personnel with the evaluation / development / implementation / maintenance of facility grounding systems.
- Install, analyze and repair security/intrusion systems.
- Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment as needed.
- Oversee the construction and/or maintenance activities performed by third parties.
- Identify, report, and correct safety and environmental concerns.
- Complete appropriate documentation and paperwork.
- Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, and regulatory and tariff requirements.
- Demonstrate safe work practices with product handling techniques.
- Ability to install, troubleshoot, and assist in design of new facilities (progression).
- Assist in the development of other Technicians (progression).
- Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
- Mentor with fellow employees when the opportunity presents itself.
- Regular and predictable attendance.
- Commission New equipment.
- New Conduit installation up to 2”.
- Pull large wire.
- Terminate connections for circuits up to 480V.
- Install new Mechanical SS tubing and fittings.
- Other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- Associate degree in a technical field, or equivalent skills and experience.
- Bachelor’s Degree – Not required but advantageous in this position.
Experience / specific knowledge:
- Working knowledge of National Electric Codes.
- Reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical blueprints and diagrams.
- Knowledge of electronic test instruments and equipment.
- Knowledge of mechanical & electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Knowledge of process controls and gas processing fundamentals.
- Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gasses, liquids, and high/low pressure systems.
- Must be able to respond to an emergency at the station within 30 minutes.
- Must respond to, and address, callouts and emergencies after regular business hours including after dark hours, which will require carrying a communication device.
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
- Possess a valid driver's license and meet company insurability requirements.
- May be required to possess a commercial driver’s license, drive a company commercial vehicle and comply with all commercial vehicle regulations.
- May be required to achieve and maintain certifications as required to perform job duties.
Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:
- Computer skills (MS office, MS Excel, operating systems, etc.).
- Math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Customer focus.
- Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
- Ability to speak and understand English.
Physical Demands:
- Lift, pull, and push up to 50 lbs.
- Advantageous but not required to be able to occasionally exert up to 100 lbs. of physical force.
- Stand, walk, kneel, bend, and squat for extended periods of time.
- Twist head and back for extended periods of time.
- Climb and work from ladders, catwalks, staging, and platforms.
- Ascend and descend slopes and ditches.
- Work with hands above head.
- Work lying on back.
- Work in adverse weather and/or extreme temperature conditions.
Working Conditions:
- May work in low-lit areas.
- Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Must be able to frequently climb to and work from elevated platforms, ladders, and walkways, etc.
- Depending upon the location and workload, travel will be required.
- Must be able to report to the Compressor Station within 1 hour of a call-out.
Job level commensurate with skills and experience. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

INTRODUCTION
Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 79,000 miles of pipelines and 139 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Our terminals store and handle various commodities including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, chemicals, metals, petroleum coke and ethanol and other renewable fuels and feedstocks.
Kinder Morgan is committed to being a good corporate citizen and conducting ourselves in an ethical and responsible manner. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on integrity management and maintenance programs to operate our assets safely and to protect the public, our employees, contractors and the environment. Operationally, we continue to perform better than our industry peers relative to environmental, health and safety measures.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Equipment and Controls Technician (E&C Tech) is based out of Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP) Portland Compressor Station Number 87 located at 208 TGT Road, Portland, TN 37148. This is a Monday through Friday position with some on-call responsibilities nights and weekends.
E&C Primary Purpose:
Implements, troubleshoots and maintains electrical power circuits, all mechanical equipment, control and automation systems, electronic and pneumatic equipment used in pipeline, compressor stations and plant operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implements, troubleshoots and maintains electrical power circuits and equipment, control and automation systems, electronic and pneumatic equipment used in pipeline, all mechanical equipment, compressor stations, plant operations and measurement facilities.
- Installs, inspects, maintains, operates, troubleshoots, repairs, calibrates, and adjusts various mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, electronic, and Programmable Logic (PLC) control systems.
- Perform preventative maintenance checks on pumps, compressors, drivers, and auxiliary equipment.
- Performs Inspection and Maintenance (I & M) checks on all control systems.
- Maintain electrical switch gear and power distribution.
- Performs mechanical troubleshooting and repair of all station equipment.
- Perform advanced engine/compressor/pump analytical testing. Lead efforts to develop and implement changes as a result of the analytical testing.
- Assist Corrosion and Engineering personnel with the evaluation / development / implementation / maintenance of facility grounding systems.
- Install, analyze and repair security/intrusion systems.
- Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment as needed.
- Oversee the construction and/or maintenance activities performed by third parties.
- Identify, report, and correct safety and environmental concerns.
- Complete appropriate documentation and paperwork.
- Perform all work in compliance with Company standards, procedures, and regulatory and tariff requirements.
- Demonstrate safe work practices with product handling techniques.
- Ability to install, troubleshoot, and assist in design of new facilities (progression).
- Assist in the development of other Technicians (progression).
- Demonstrate performance toward operational excellence.
- Mentor with fellow employees when the opportunity presents itself.
- Regular and predictable attendance.
- Commission New equipment.
- New Conduit installation up to 2”.
- Pull large wire.
- Terminate connections for circuits up to 480V.
- Install new Mechanical SS tubing and fittings.
- Other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- Associate degree in a technical field, or equivalent skills and experience.
- Bachelor’s Degree – Not required but advantageous in this position.
Experience / specific knowledge:
- Working knowledge of National Electric Codes.
- Reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical blueprints and diagrams.
- Knowledge of electronic test instruments and equipment.
- Knowledge of mechanical & electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Knowledge of process controls and gas processing fundamentals.
- Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gasses, liquids, and high/low pressure systems.
- Must be able to respond to an emergency at the station within 30 minutes.
- Must respond to, and address, callouts and emergencies after regular business hours including after dark hours, which will require carrying a communication device.
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
- Possess a valid driver's license and meet company insurability requirements.
- May be required to possess a commercial driver’s license, drive a company commercial vehicle and comply with all commercial vehicle regulations.
- May be required to achieve and maintain certifications as required to perform job duties.
Competencies, Skills, and Abilities:
- Computer skills (MS office, MS Excel, operating systems, etc.).
- Math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Customer focus.
- Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, keep required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
- Ability to speak and understand English.
Physical Demands:
- Lift, pull, and push up to 50 lbs.
- Advantageous but not required to be able to occasionally exert up to 100 lbs. of physical force.
- Stand, walk, kneel, bend, and squat for extended periods of time.
- Twist head and back for extended periods of time.
- Climb and work from ladders, catwalks, staging, and platforms.
- Ascend and descend slopes and ditches.
- Work with hands above head.
- Work lying on back.
- Work in adverse weather and/or extreme temperature conditions.
Working Conditions:
- May work in low-lit areas.
- Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Must be able to frequently climb to and work from elevated platforms, ladders, and walkways, etc.
- Depending upon the location and workload, travel will be required.
- Must be able to report to the Compressor Station within 1 hour of a call-out.
Job level commensurate with skills and experience. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Controls Technician Job Roles in Tennessee
See all 274+ Controls Technician Jobs in Tennessee
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Controls Technician Jobs in TennesseeControls Technician Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for controls technicians in Tennessee?
Tennessee's largest visa sponsors for controls technicians tend to be automotive manufacturers and chemical producers. Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant, Volkswagen's Chattanooga facility, and Eastman Chemical in Kingsport regularly file H-1B and other work visa petitions for skilled technical roles. Food and beverage manufacturers along the I-40 corridor also appear in Department of Labor disclosure data as sponsors for controls and automation positions.
Which visa types are most common for controls technician roles in Tennessee?
The H-1B is the most commonly used visa for controls technicians in Tennessee, provided the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field. Technician-level roles that require only an associate degree or trade certification may not meet the specialty occupation threshold. Some Canadian and Mexican nationals qualify for TN visas under the USMCA treaty if their credentials align with eligible professional categories.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most controls technician sponsorship jobs?
Chattanooga and Smyrna see the highest concentration of controls technician sponsorship activity, driven by automotive manufacturing. Nashville and its surrounding suburbs attract positions tied to food processing, logistics automation, and industrial systems. Kingsport and Johnson City in the Tri-Cities region generate openings through Eastman Chemical and related chemical manufacturing suppliers. Memphis adds volume through distribution and warehousing automation projects.
How to find controls technician visa sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, which makes it more efficient than general job searches for international candidates. For controls technician roles in Tennessee, you can use Migrate Mate to narrow results by state and role type, surfacing employers who have actively sponsored work visas in this field. This helps avoid applying to positions where sponsorship is unlikely or unavailable.
Are there state-specific or role-specific considerations for controls technicians seeking sponsorship in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no state income tax, which affects prevailing wage comparisons since take-home pay differs from states that do tax wages. For H-1B petitions, employers must pay the Department of Labor prevailing wage for the specific job location, so wages vary between Chattanooga, Nashville, and smaller metro areas. Tennessee's strong manufacturing pipeline through Tennessee College of Applied Technology programs means employers often prefer to hire domestically, so international applicants tend to be most competitive in specialized automation and PLC programming roles.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored controls technician jobs in Tennessee?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which controls technician employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Tennessee right now.
Search Controls Technician Jobs in Tennessee