Sr. Controls Engineer

Shoals Technologies; Portland (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shoals Technologies Group is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, program, and support control systems for our manufacturing operations in Tennessee. You will collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to boost equipment reliability and throughput through robust controls and automation practices.

The role requires hands-on PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and the ability to mentor technicians while maintaining safety and code compliance across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of controls engineering in manufacturing.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience (Allen-Bradley required).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development and industrial networks.
• Familiarity with robotics and vision system integration preferred.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and control panels; NEC/NFPA/UL knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Lead controls engineering for new installations and automation projects.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA software to improve throughput and uptime.
• Troubleshoot complex controls issues to minimize downtime.
• Mentor maintenance technicians and junior engineers on controls practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

HMI/SCADA development

Robotics integration

Electrical schematics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD/electrical design software

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs

HMI/SCADA tools

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Portland, TN - Portland, TN 37148

Position Type: Full Time

Are you ready to join a fast-paced, innovative team making a real impact in the renewable energy industry? Join Shoals Technologies Group (NASDAQ: SHLS), a leading provider of electrical balance of systems (EBOS) solutions for solar and energy storage. Headquartered just north of Nashville, Tennessee, we have been driving industry innovation since 1996 by delivering cutting‑edge technologies that improve efficiency, safety, and reliability for solar systems worldwide. With over 60 GW of solar systems deployed globally, we're setting the standard for the renewable energy industry.

We are a collection of engineers, renewable advocates, curious minds, and collaborators. Our manufacturing facilities in Tennessee and Alabama, along with sales teams across Spain and Australia, enable us to power clean energy solutions across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia‑Pacific. We push boundaries and challenge each other to design, develop, and deliver solutions with the potential to change the world. We are the rebellious hero.

Shoals Technologies is hiring a Senior Controls Engineer to design, program, and support the control systems behind our manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to improve equipment reliability and throughput through strong controls and automation practices, and serves as a technical resource and mentor for controls‑related work across the facility.

Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and commission control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Lead controls engineering for new equipment installations and process automation projects from concept through startup.
• Develop and maintain PLC programs, HMI screens, and SCADA systems to support production and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex controls, automation, and electrical issues to minimize equipment downtime.
• Design and specify electrical control panels, wiring diagrams, and I/O architecture for new and upgraded equipment.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance to improve equipment reliability, throughput, and OEE through controls and automation improvements.
• Support integration of robotics, vision systems, and other advanced automation technologies into production lines.
• Develop and maintain controls standards, documentation, and best practices across the facility.
• Ensure controls designs meet applicable electrical and safety codes and standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA 70E, UL).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for recurring controls‑related downtime and equipment issues.
• Support capital project planning and execution, including scoping, budgeting, and vendor coordination for controls and automation equipment.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to maintenance technicians and other engineers on controls systems.
• Maintain up‑to‑date electrical schematics, PLC backups, and controls documentation for all supported equipment.
• Participate in the specification and evaluation of new equipment, ensuring controls compatibility and standardization.
• Other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field required; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Strong hands‑on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen Bradley/Rockwell required; Siemens a plus).
• Experience developing and modifying HMI and SCADA applications.
• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet).
• Experience with robotics and vision system integration preferred.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical and safety codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, UL) preferred.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to lead root cause investigations on complex equipment issues.
• Experience supporting capital projects, including scoping, vendor management, and startup/commissioning.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to train and mentor technicians and engineers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and CAD/electrical design software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional second/third shift, weekends, or holidays, to support production needs.

Shoals Technologies Group, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.