Senior Controls Engineer: PLC, Robotics & Vision Lead

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

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