Senior Controls Engineer

Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS); Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Health benefits

401K program with 100% match up to 5%

Flexible PTO

Company events and community outreach

Job summary

Designed Conveyor Systems (DCS) is looking for a Senior Controls Engineer in Franklin, Tennessee, to lead the design and execution of controls for complex material handling systems. You will mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot on-site, and ensure timely project delivery.

With 10+ years of experience in automation, you will influence engineering standards and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The role is integral to shaping DCS’s controls capabilities while offering a dynamic workplace culture and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience ideally within material handling or industrial automation.
• Advanced PLC programming skills and strong HMI/SCADA development experience.
• Understanding of industrial networking architectures and communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls design and execution across multiple material handling projects.
• Support testing, startup, and validation activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and actively share knowledge.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

electrical design

industrial networking

Education

14+ years of experience without a degree or 10+ years with relevant experience

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Job description

About The Role

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you’ll lead end-to-end controls delivery for complex material handling systems, from early concept and component selection through programming, commissioning, and customer handoff. You’ll be a key contributor on high-profile projects, trusted to design reliable, scalable automation solutions and solve problems in real time, both on the floor and in the field.

Beyond project execution, you’ll help shape the future of DCS’s controls capabilities by influencing standards, reusable tools, and how the team works together. If you enjoy owning technical outcomes, mentoring others, and pushing controls design forward, this role is built for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead controls design and execution across multiple material handling projects
• Develop electrical designs including field device layouts, control panel designs, and electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
• Select components, design control networks, develop BOMs, and validate equipment selections
• Program PLCs and develop HMI/SCADA solutions
• Commission and debug systems on-site; support testing, startup, and validation activities
• Provide technical support during installation and perform field troubleshooting as needed
• Deliver projects on time, within scope, and to customer expectations
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of controls standards, templates, and reusable code libraries
• Lead or support R&D efforts and internal initiatives to expand controls capabilities
• Partner with vendors to evaluate and implement new technologies
• Identify value-engineering opportunities without compromising system performance
• Serve as a senior technical contributor on cross-functional project teams (Project Management, Mechanical, Field, etc.)
• Mentor junior engineers and actively share knowledge across the Controls team
• Participate in controls team initiatives, process improvements, and tool development
• Support recruiting efforts and provide feedback on technology and software vendors
• Communicate clearly and proactively with project teams and leadership
• Represent DCS professionally during site visits, customer meetings, and supplier interactions
• Contribute to a collaborative, accountable team culture
• Participate in weekly controls meetings and internal training sessions

We’re Excited About You Because

• You bring 10+ years of relevant experience (or 14+ years without a degree), ideally within material handling or industrial automation
• You have advanced PLC programming skills and strong HMI/SCADA development experience
• You understand industrial networking architectures and communication protocols
• You’re confident designing control panels and selecting electrical components
• You’re mechanically inclined and comfortable moving between design work and field environments
• You’re resourceful, self-directed, and enjoy tackling complex technical challenges
• You collaborate well, communicate clearly, and take ownership of outcomes
• You can manage multiple fast-moving projects without losing attention to detail
• You’re willing and able to travel up to 50%, depending on project needs

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.