Senior Controls Engineer – Automation & Process Systems

JR Automation; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid parental leave

Unique automation projects

Collaborative environment

Career growth

Job summary

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, seeks a Senior Controls Engineer in Nashville to lead the full controls lifecycle from concept through commissioning. You will design and program PLCs, HMI applications, robotics, and vision systems for custom automation projects, working with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality solutions.

You will guide controls architecture, support startups, and troubleshoot complex automation challenges on site, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience; two years per year of study, or 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 and ownership of decisions.
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and drive technical excellence.
• Broad experience with industrial automation technologies and practices.
• Ability to identify systemic issues and drive improvements in efficiency.
• Prior JR Automation experience is preferred.
• Hands-on programming and troubleshooting in automated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full controls lifecycle for new automation builds from concept to acceptance.
• Design and program control systems including PLC logic, HMI, robotics, vision, and SCADA.
• Develop controls architectures to meet customer requirements and specifications.
• Manage multiple automation projects with emphasis on quality and schedule.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure successful integration.
• Provide technical guidance on controls approaches and challenges.
• Support development and training within engineering leadership.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites for commissioning and support.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics integration

Vision systems

SCADA

Controls architecture

Troubleshooting

On-site deployment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate’s degree plus 2+ years experience

Tools

SCADA software

Robotics platforms

HMI software

Job description

The Opportunity:

Senior Controls Engineer.

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer with strong hands‑on experience in programming, debugging, and commissioning automated systems. This role focuses on PLC and HMI programming, robotics and vision integration, and continuous process automation across a range of complex equipment.

You will be deeply involved in building and refining control systems, supporting machine startups, and solving challenging automation problems in collaboration with cross‑functional engineering teams. The position is primarily technical and execution‑focused, with significant time spent on system development, troubleshooting, and on‑site deployment.

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.

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

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [email protected]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.