Senior Controls Engineer

Automation; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Automation NTH in Nashville, TN is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, implement, and validate advanced control systems for automated machinery including robotics and vision systems.

You will lead projects from concept to production, write robust PLC code, develop intuitive HMI interfaces (Ignition preferred), and mentor junior engineers while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field or 8+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in control systems design and integration.
• Expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Familiarity with OSHA, NFPA, ANSI safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy control systems for automated machinery including robotics and vision systems.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code for manufacturing applications (Allen-Bradley emphasis).
• Create user-friendly HMI screens and troubleshooting feedback.
• Lead projects and mentor junior engineers; coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure safety and compliance with industry standards across projects.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

System integration

Robotics knowledge

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Beckhoff

Siemens

Ignition

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer Role

Role Overview

As a Senior Controls Engineer at Automation NTH, you will design and implement advanced control systems for automated machinery, including robotics, vision systems, and complex assembly processes. You’ll lead projects from concept to completion, architecting solutions that balance technical precision with industry standards and safety compliance. Your expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, and system integration will drive the success of high-impact projects while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver world-class automation solutions.

Location: Nashville, TN (LaVergne, TN Headquarters)

Explore more about what makes Automation NTH an award-winning place to work and find additional opportunities on our Careers Page .

Candidate Profile

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you are an expert in designing, developing, and deploying complex control systems for automated machinery. Your deep technical knowledge, especially in PLC programming and control system integration, allows you to lead projects from concept to completion. You thrive in environments that demand both innovation and precision, balancing cutting-edge technology with robust safety and compliance standards.

You are a hands‑on problem solver who enjoys rolling up your sleeves to tackle challenges in the field, whether during design, programming, or troubleshooting. Your ability to architect structured, maintainable, and scalable code sets you apart as a leader in the field. You communicate effectively across all levels of an organization, providing both technical guidance to junior engineers and clear direction to project teams. You are motivated by a commitment to excellence and a passion for driving automation innovation in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Why This Role Is Important

At Automation NTH, the Senior Controls Engineer plays a critical role in delivering innovative automation solutions that set us apart in the industry. You’ll be responsible for architecting control systems that are not only efficient and reliable but also scalable for future advancements. Your leadership in developing and implementing robust systems, coupled with your ability to drive projects to successful completion, ensures that our solutions consistently exceed client expectations.

This role is pivotal in our mission to be the leading automation partner in the Life Science industry and beyond. Your work will directly influence the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the systems we deliver, positioning Automation NTH as a leader in automation technology innovation.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Control System Design and Implementation

• Design, develop, and manage the deployment of control systems for automated machinery, including machine vision, robotics, and advanced conveying and assembly systems.
• Implement ANSI/RIA15.06/OSHA-compliant control reliable safety systems based on performance level requirements derived from risk assessments.
• Architect, write, and debug structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable PLC code for manufacturing applications, with a focus on Allen Bradley PLCs (Beckhoff and Siemens experience is a plus).
• Generate user‑friendly HMI screens (Ignition preferred) that provide robust feedback for troubleshooting.
• Develop robot and/or vision applications, ensuring documentation is clear and easily understandable for end users.

2. Project Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead projects and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technical teams.
• Work closely with project teams to ensure successful outcomes, providing support during all phases, including design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Manage and supervise electrical control panel builds, field wiring, and pneumatic and fluid plumbing.
• Participate in equipment conceptual development, balancing product specifications, process requirements, cost, and lead‑time limits.

3. Safety and Compliance

• Stay current with and apply relevant industrial machinery standards (OSHA, NFPA79, NEC, UL508A, ANSI) to all projects.
• Ensure all designs and implementations meet safety and compliance requirements.

4. Technical Excellence and Innovation

• Assist project teams in optimizing automation systems to maximize OEE performance.
• Participate in startup and debug efforts to successfully deploy automated systems into production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system performance and reliability.

5. Documentation and Communication

• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including project plans, system designs, and functional specifications.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of personnel, ensuring technical details are clearly conveyed and understood.
• Generate technical reports and provide regular project updates to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related field, or 8+ years of applicable experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in control systems design and integration.
• Expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards (OSHA, NFPA, ANSI) and safety requirements.
• Ability to lead projects, work independently, and communicate effectively across teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.

Physical Demands: May be required to perform the following Physical Activity: Sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, walking long distances, using hands, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell. May be required to lift up to 50 lbs.; group lifting of up to 100 lbs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Percentage Required: 25-40%

Employment Type:Full-Time

Please note:The information contained herein is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties and responsibilities in this job description may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Automation NTH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please notify us in the application form.

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