Controls Engineer

Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS); Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401K match up to 5%

Discretionary profit-sharing program

Flexible PTO

Casual work environment

Team events

Job summary

Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS) in Franklin, TN seeks a Controls Engineer to lead hardware aspects of controls projects from concept to commissioning. You will design electrical systems, select components, program PLCs, and provide on-site support for material handling customers.

You will help evolve electrical standards and collaborate with vendors while mentoring the team. The role requires a hands-on engineer with experience in electrical schematics, control panels, and layouts, plus travel

Qualifications

• 1+ years of relevant experience (or 3+ years without a degree) in automation/material handling.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Experience with electrical schematics, control panels, and layouts.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls electrical designs and assist with implementation for material handling systems.
• Design electrical systems including field device placement, control panel layouts, and electrical schematics.
• Select components, design networks, create BOMs, and validate equipment.
• Program PLCs and oversee system commissioning, debugging, and validation.
• Provide on-site troubleshooting and technical support during installation.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain controls and electrical standards and installation practices.
• Collaborate with vendors to evaluate and implement emerging Material Handling System technologies.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through value engineering without compromising performance.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing across the Controls team.
• Participate in Controls team initiatives, process development, and tool creation.
• Support recruiting efforts and provide feedback on technology/software vendors.
• Maintain open, timely communication with project teams and leadership.
• Represent DCS with professionalism during site visits, customer meetings, and supplier interactions.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture that emphasizes growth and accountability.
• Attend weekly controls meetings and internal training sessions.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical schematics

Control panels

BOMs

Vendor collaboration

Troubleshooting

Field maintenance

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

About the Role

As a Controls Engineer, you will lead the hardware aspects of controls projects throughout the design phase; from concept and component selection to electrical system design. You will play a key role in delivering reliable, scalable, and innovative automation systems for high-profile material handling customers. Additionally, you will contribute to the evolution of DCS’s electrical standards, product offerings, and team capabilities.

In this role, you will

• Lead controls electrical designs and assist with implementation for material handling systems.
• Design electrical systems, including field device placement, control panel layouts, and electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Select components, design networks, develop Bills of Materials (BOMs), and validate equipment.
• Program PLCs and oversee system commissioning, debugging, and validation.
• Provide on-site troubleshooting and technical support during installation.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain controls and electrical design and installation standards.
• Collaborate with vendors to evaluate and implement emerging Material Handling System technologies.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities through value engineering without compromising performance.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to knowledge‑sharing across the Controls team.
• Participate in Controls team initiatives, process development, and tool creation.
• Support recruiting efforts and provide feedback on technology/software vendors.
• Maintain open, timely communication with project teams and leadership.
• Represent DCS with professionalism during site visits, customer meetings, and supplier interactions.
• Contribute to a positive, team‑oriented culture that emphasizes growth and accountability.
• Attend weekly controls meetings and internal training sessions.

We’re Excited About You Because

• You have 1+ years of relevant experience (or 3+ years without a degree), ideally in the material handling industry.
• You have AutoCAD Electrical/EPLAN experience.
• You’re experienced in electrical schematics, control panels and material handling system layouts.
• You’re excited about the opportunity to develop the tools for a new team.
• You’re mechanically inclined and comfortable in both design and field environments.
• You’re resourceful, independent, and love solving hard problems.
• You are proactive, collaborative, and passionate about continual improvement.
• You’re flexible and can manage multiple fast‑paced projects at once.
• You’re an excellent communicator — written and verbal.
• You’re willing and able to travel up to 50% as needed.

This job description is not exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned as needed, and responsibilities may evolve to support the business and employee experience.

About Us

Conveyor may be in our name, but it’s only part of what we do. DCS was founded in 1982 and has grown to serve major clients in multiple industries by providing material handling, full‑scale warehouse operations and conveyor design solutions that are custom crafted for their need. We don’t sell ready‑made systems – we build relationships that empower us to craft custom solutions together. It’s the teamwork approach, sharing ideas and building upon them, that produces the best results.

And DCS is committed to creating an extraordinary employment experience for our team. We work like crazy to hire and develop great people, build relationships, and ensure that the programs and services we offer our team are among the best in the business – from a killer snack wall and casual work environment to flexible PTO and opportunities to give back within the community.

More reasons to join our team

• We pride ourselves in our family‑like culture and casual, but focused, work environment.
• We offer competitive salaries and health benefits.
• Our 401K program includes a 100% match up to 5%.
• Participation in our Discretionary Profit‑Sharing Program.
• We offer our employees flexibility and autonomy.
• We do community outreach projects throughout the year.
• We know how to throw company events.
• We work hard, but we also know how to have fun – darts, anyone?

Individuals seeking employment at Designed Conveyor Systems are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Accommodation is available to applicants with a disability condition, when applying, testing, or interviewing for a position. Please let us know if you need accommodation.