Senior Controls Engineer

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employee-Owned – ESOP vesting

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, vision coverage + HSA

Life insurance & AD&D

Disability insurance

Flexible schedules & PTO

Tuition reimbursement & professional发展

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems—integrating PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, instrumentation, and variable-speed drives—while coordinating across disciplines and keeping projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with client and code requirements.

We seek candidates with PE licensure and extensive experience across PLC/SCADA platforms, and a track record of managing complex

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field with eight years of Automation and Control System Engineering experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer required.
• Extensive experience with multiple PLC systems (Rockwell Automation preferred).
• Extensive experience with multiple SCADA/HMI software packages (RA FactoryTalk, GE iFIX, Schneider Wonderware preferred).
• Extensive experience with specification and installation of variable speed drives.
• Broad industrial experience in control system design, instrumentation, installation and troubleshooting, process control, and variable speed drives.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems; integrate PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, instrumentation, and VSDs; coordinate across disciplines.
• Assume responsible charge for controls projects; uphold SSR quality and safety standards.
• Design, install, and commission new control systems; execute modifications and upgrades; troubleshoot existing systems to restore performance.
• Apply knowledge of NFPA, NEC, UL, OSHA, ISA, NEMA, IEC, and ANSI as they pertain to control panel design and installation.
• Review historical data and prepare reports with findings and recommendations.
• Coordinate designs with other disciplines to determine equipment needs and develop procedures.
• Attend meetings with owners, clients, contractors, and specialists; document decisions and actions.
• Lead job-site visits to verify conditions, take measurements, and observe installation progress.
• Coordinate with authorities, utilities, and municipalities to meet health/safety regulations and quality standards.
• Develop man-hour budgets with the Project Manager and provide schedule and cost updates.
• Assist with QA/QC plans; review drawings, control narratives, IO lists, and test plans.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients to refine scope and participate in proposals.
• Coach and develop staff; contribute to internal trainings and reviews.
• Engage in professional organizations to enhance SSR’s technical reputation and pursue continuous learning.

Skills

PLC systems

SCADA/HMI

Control system design

AutoCAD

Project management

Education

ABET-accredited BS in applicable field

Professional Engineer license

Tools

AutoCAD

RA FactoryTalk

GE iFIX

Schneider Wonderware

Job description

At SSR, we’re more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm—we’re a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people-first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other—driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Want to hear directly from our team? Visit http://www.ssr-inc.com/life-at-ssr and explore our culture on LinkedIn and Instagram.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you’ll lead the design, programming, and commissioning of industrial and municipal control systems—integrating PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, instrumentation, and variable‑speed drives—while coordinating across disciplines and keeping projects on schedule, on budget, and aligned with client and code requirements.

• Assume responsible charge for controls projects within your experience and expertise; uphold SSR quality and safety standards.
• Design, install, and commission new control systems; execute modifications and upgrades; troubleshoot existing systems to restore performance.
• Apply strong knowledge of NFPA, NEC, UL, OSHA, ISA, NEMA, IEC, and ANSI as they pertain to industrial control panel design and installation.
• Review historical/trend data and prepare clear written reports that explain findings and recommended actions.
• Coordinate designs with other disciplines to determine equipment needs, develop operating procedures, and provide technical information.
• Attend meetings with owners, clients, contractors, and specialists; document decisions and action items.
• Lead and document job‑site visits to verify field conditions, take measurements, and observe installation progress.
• Coordinate with authorities, utilities, and municipalities to incorporate health/safety regulations and quality standards.
• Develop man‑hour budgets with the Project Manager; plan work to schedule/budget and provide regular updates.
• Assist with proactive QA/QC plans; review drawings, control narratives, IO lists, and test plans before issue.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients to refine scope and cost; participate in proposals and client presentations.
• Coach and develop less‑experienced staff; assist technical leaders in designing/executing internal trainings; provide input during reviews.
• Engage in professional organizations and client groups to enhance SSR’s technical reputation; pursue continuous learning.

Minimum Requirements

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field from an ABET accredited college and eight years of experience in Automation and Control System Engineering
• Licensed as a Professional Engineer
• Extensive experience with multiple PLC systems (Rockwell Automation preferred)
• Extensive experience with multiple SCADA/HMI software packages (RA FactoryTalk, GE iFIX, and Schneider Wonderware preferred)
• Extensive experience with the specification and installation of variable speed drives
• Extensive industrial experience in control system design, instrumentation, installation and troubleshooting, process control, and variable speed drives
• Demonstrated a consistent ability to successfully manage projects and customers
• Experience with AutoCAD or other relevant design tools preferred
• Experience in food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and water/wastewater treatment preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook).
• Thorough knowledge of control system design and process instrumentation; DCS/PLC;
• SCADA/HMI packages; architectures and communication protocols.
• Thorough knowledge of installation and troubleshooting practices; ISA, NFPA, UL, NEC and related codes/standards.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD; ability to read drawings and coordinate multi‑discipline inputs.
• Technical writing and clear presentation skills; strong interpersonal skills and speech clarity.
• Detail‑oriented with sound judgment and decision‑making; organized documentation and follow‑through; ability to visualize design solutions.

What We Offer

• 100% Employee-Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
• Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
• Company-Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
• Work-Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
• Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Affiantive Action Employer

EEO Disabled/Veterans

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.