Senior Controls Engineer – Automation & Process Systems

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical benefits starting day one

Parental leave

Unique automation projects

Collaborative engineering environment

Career growth

Job summary

WRIGHT INDUSTRIES, LLC in Nashville, TN is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the full controls lifecycle for custom automation projects, from concept through programming, debugging, commissioning, and final acceptance.

The role emphasizes PLC/HMI programming, robotics and vision integration, on-site deployment, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams.

Travel up to 25% and a strong focus on technical excellence and hands-on problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or related disciplines
• 2+ years of experience leading technical projects with ownership of decisions and execution
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting continuous processes in automated manufacturing environments
• Experience reading P&IDs is a plus

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

On-site deployment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate’s degree with 2+ years of related experience

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA

Robotics integration

Vision systems

Job description

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America Job ID: R0117417 Date Posted: 2026-05-01 Company Name: WRIGHT INDUSTRIES, LLC Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No

Job Description

The Opportunity: JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people, and we’re always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as a 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. Fueled by Possible.

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 [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.

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.

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.

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