Senior Controls Engineer

Valknut Automation; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Valknut Automation in Nashville is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to own the design, development, and commissioning of industrial control systems across multiple projects.

You will lead PLC/HMI/SCADA programming, robotics integration, and safety system validation, ensuring uptime, safety, and regulatory compliance. This is a high-impact contract role requiring hands-on experience with major platforms and tools.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting across major platforms.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems in manufacturing environments.
• Robotics programming and integration across major brands.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and design control panels.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70E, IEC/ANSI, OSHA safety standards.
• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and modify PLC logic for equipment.
• Develop and integrate HMI/SCADA systems for data acquisition.
• Program, commission, and integrate industrial robots.
• Create control system architectures and panel layouts.
• Lead commissioning, testing, and on-site startup.
• Ensure safety circuits and NFPA 70E compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance on control strategies.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

AutoCAD

Electrical schematics

Control systems design

NFPA 70E compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate degree in a relevant technical discipline

Professional certifications in automation, robotics, or safety

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix

Siemens S7/TIA Portal

FactoryTalk

WinCC

AutoCAD

E-Plan

Job description

Job Description

Step into a senior technical role where your decisions directly influence production performance, safety, and reliability across complex manufacturing environments. This is a high-impact contract opportunity with a focus on modern automation, giving you ownership of advanced control systems from concept through commissioning.

About the Role:

You will lead the design, development, and optimisation of industrial control systems, ensuring robust, safe, and efficient operation of automated manufacturing lines. Working closely with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams, you will be the primary expert for PLC/HMI/SCADA, robotics integration, and safety systems. Your work will drive uptime, throughput, and compliance with relevant standards across multiple projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and modify PLC control logic (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.) for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Develop, configure, and integrate HMI and SCADA systems to provide intuitive operator interfaces and reliable data acquisition.
• Program, commission, and integrate industrial robots with associated control hardware and software for automated processes.
• Create and update control system architectures, electrical schematics, and panel layouts using AutoCAD or E-Plan.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis on control systems, drives, networks, and field devices to resolve complex issues.
• Implement and validate machine safety circuits, interlocks, and safety PLC logic in accordance with NFPA 70E, IEC/ANSI, and OSHA requirements.
• Lead control system commissioning, testing, and startup activities, including on-site support during installation and ramp-up.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define control strategies, document system changes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Requirements:

• Extensive hands-on experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting with major platforms (e.g. Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens S7/TIA Portal).
• Proven experience developing and integrating HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, WinCC, or equivalent) in manufacturing environments.
• Strong background in industrial robotics programming and integration (e.g. Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or similar).
• Demonstrated expertise in control system design, including I/O specification, network architecture, and panel design.
• Proficiency in reading and creating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD or E-Plan.
• Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.) and control networks.
• Track record of performing systematic root cause analysis and advanced diagnostics on complex automation systems.
• Practical knowledge of machine safety systems and compliance with NFPA 70E, IEC/ANSI, and OSHA standards.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in high-volume or continuous-process manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with MES, historian, or data analytics tools integrated with control systems.
• Exposure to motion control, servo systems, and advanced drive configurations.
• Experience leading small project teams or coordinating contractors during installation and commissioning.
• Ability to document standards, create functional specifications, and contribute to control system best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control/Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• Associate degree in a relevant technical discipline with significant controls experience will be considered.
• Professional certifications in automation, robotics, or safety (e.g. TÜV Functional Safety, ISA, Rockwell or Siemens certifications) preferred.
• Formal training in NFPA 70E and machine safety standards advantageous.

If you are a Senior Controls Engineer who thrives on solving complex automation challenges and driving safe, reliable production, we invite you to apply for this contract opportunity in Nashville.