Controls Engineer

Disher; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DISHER is seeking a Controls Engineer in Knoxville, TN to develop and improve electrical systems for their innovative thermal management products. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced startup environment, focusing on advanced cooling solutions that enhance performance across multiple industries.

The ideal candidate will possess strong PLC programming skills and collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring designs meet UL standards and optimizing for manufacturability. Join a team that values precision and innovation!

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in controls engineering for low-to-mid volume manufacturing.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus).
• Experience with UL certification process and panel-building requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and troubleshoot Carel PLC software for chiller control.
• Design and specify electrical panels, enclosures, wiring harnesses.
• Ensure control panel designs meet UL requirements.

Skills

Hands-on PLC programming experience

Hands-on prototyping and/or test experience

Strong troubleshooting and commissioning skills

Excellent problem solving skills

Clear technical writing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan

DISHER is currently partnering with an innovative thermal management solutions company in search of a Controls Engineer to join their team. This organization focuses on advanced cooling technologies that help customers improve performance and efficiency across a range of industries. They are a fast-growing startup innovating the best process cooling equipment in the industry, and they're looking for a Controls Engineer to join their growing team. In this role, you'll design, develop, test, and improve electrical and control systems for our chiller products, working cross-functionally with mechanical, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

This role may be either hybrid in Knoxville, TN area or remote from West MI.

What it's like to work here

The company is values-driven and focused on delivering cutting-edge cooling solutions through innovation, precision, and collaboration. Team members operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where they are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas, and continuously improve processes. You'll join a growing, team-oriented organization that emphasizes both professional development and measurable results while maintaining an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking culture.

What you'll get to do

• Develop control system architectures and schematics for new and revised products.
• Design and specify electrical panels, enclosures, wiring harnesses, I/O layouts, and component selection for production and serviceability.
• Create and maintain electrical (AC & DC power, control) schematics, and work with other designers/engineers to release backplane assembly and wire harness drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing work instructions.
• Develop and troubleshoot Carel PLC software for chiller control.
• Ensure control panel and system designs meet UL requirements (e.g. UL60335-2-40) and support UL certification/submission activities; coordinate with testing labs or certifying bodies as needed.
• Perform risk assessments, design reviews, and DFMEA for control systems; implement safety controls and interlocks per applicable standards.
• Support product validation: develop test plans, perform commissioning, debug field issues, and iterate designs for manufacturability and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing teams to balance cost, manufacturability, and performance for low-to-mid volume production.
• Provide technical support for customers and field service teams; create troubleshooting guides and training material.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing to support production ramp-up, product & process development, and cost reduction.
• Create / process Engineering Change Requests (ECR's) and Orders (ECO's).
• Troubleshoot field and production issues; provide root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure product designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
• Support project planning, schedule tracking, design reviews, and documentation.

What will make you successful

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5 years' experience in controls engineering or related role, focused on product design for low-to-mid volume manufacturing.
• Hands‑on PLC programming experience (Carel, Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent); HMI/SCADA development experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of UL certification process and UL panel‑building requirements (e.g. UL508A).
• Proficient with electrical CAD/schematic tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar) and experience producing manufacturing documentation.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, etc.).
• Strong troubleshooting and commissioning skills; experience with on‑site commissioning is a plus.
• Demonstrated competence with specifying industrial control components: motor starters, VFDs, contactors, relays, safety devices, and enclosures.
• Clear technical writing skills and experience creating BOMs, wiring diagrams, and build instructions.
• Excellent problem solving, collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UL submission paperwork and working directly with testing labs.
• Experience with low‑to‑mid volume manufacturing processes and DFM for electrical assemblies.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and version control.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Rockwell/Siemens, NFPA 79 knowledge, safety certifications).
• Hands‑on prototyping and/or test experience.
• Background in Lean Product Development principles & tools.
• Basic budgeting and cost containment skills.
• Basic understanding of ISO 9000 (or similar quality system) design requirements.
• Resilience working in a fast‑paced, evolving startup environment with shifting priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work with prototype hardware.