Senior Controls Engineer

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical benefits starting day one

Parental leave

Unique automation projects

Collaborative environment

Career growth

Job summary

JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the full controls lifecycle for custom automation projects in Nashville. You will define systems, program PLCs, develop HMI applications, integrate robotics, and ensure commissioning and acceptance.

The role emphasizes design of controls architectures, collaboration across engineering teams, and mentorship of engineers. Travel up to 25% to customer sites, with a focus on technical excellence and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience; or an Associate’s degree with 2+ years related experience.
• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related technical disciplines.
• 2+ years of experience leading technical projects with ownership of decisions and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence engineers for technical excellence.
• Strong breadth of experience with industrial automation technologies and industry practices.
• Experience in the automation industry; JR Automation experience strongly preferred.
• Proven collaboration across engineering disciplines to solve complex problems.
• Hands-on programming and troubleshooting continuous processes in automated manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds from concept to commissioning and acceptance.
• Design and program control systems, including PLC logic, HMI, robotics integration, vision, and SCADA.
• Design controls architectures to meet customer requirements and specifications.
• Support multiple automation projects concurrently while ensuring quality and schedule.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional technical teams throughout projects.
• Serve as a technical expert on controls architecture and programming approaches.
• Partner with engineering leadership for development, training, and continuous improvement.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites and company locations for commissioning and support.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Associate’s degree with 2+ years of related experience

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA systems

Robotics integration

P&IDs reading

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Location Type: The position is onsite in Nashville, TN

What We Offer:

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds, from initial concept and system definition through programming, machine power‑up, debugging, commissioning, and final acceptance.
• Design and program control systems from the ground up, including PLC logic, HMI applications, robotics integration, vision systems, and SCADA solutions for new and custom automated equipment.
• Design controls equipment and architectures to meet customer requirements, performance standards, and application specifications.
• Support multiple automation projects concurrently while maintaining focus on technical quality, schedule execution, and customer requirements.
• Lead and collaborate with cross‑functional technical teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution and integration.
• Serve as a technical expert within the department, providing guidance on controls architecture, programming approaches, and complex automation challenges.
• Partner with engineering leadership to support technical development, training, and continuous improvement within the engineering organization.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites and company locations to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and project execution.
• Note: This list of responsibilities is not inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience (two years of relevant work experience for each year of academic study), OR an Associate’s degree with 2+ years of related experience.
• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related technical disciplines.
• 2+ years of experience leading technical projects, with ownership of technical decisions and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence engineers, supporting technical excellence and career progression.
• Strong breadth and depth of experience with industrial automation technologies, systems, and industry practices.
• Proven ability to identify systemic issues and implement improvements that increase department efficiency and engineering effectiveness.
• Experience in the automation industry; prior JR Automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Proven collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines to solve complex, system‑level problems.
• Hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting continuous processes in automated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs is a plus.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview: At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what’s possible to automate for tomorrow. Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators. Fueled by Possible. Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities