Senior Controls Engineer
Senior Controls Engineer
Location: Franklin, TN or Remote
About the Opportunity
We're seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, programming, and commissioning of complex material handling automation systems. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects from concept through customer handoff while helping shape engineering standards, mentoring teammates, and driving innovation across the controls organization.
If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, working in both office and field environments, and delivering high-quality automation solutions, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
- Lead controls engineering efforts across multiple material handling and industrial automation projects.
- Design complete electrical systems, including field device layouts, control panels, and electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
- Select electrical components, develop bills of materials (BOMs), design control networks, and validate equipment selections.
- Develop and program PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications.
- Commission, test, troubleshoot, and optimize systems during installation and startup.
- Provide technical support during installation and resolve field issues as needed.
- Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and meet customer expectations.
- Develop and maintain engineering standards, reusable code libraries, and design templates.
- Support research and development initiatives to expand automation capabilities.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies alongside equipment and software vendors.
- Identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining system performance and reliability.
- Collaborate closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, field teams, and customers throughout project execution.
- Mentor junior engineers and promote knowledge sharing within the controls team.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, internal training, and engineering process development.
- Support recruiting efforts and provide technical input on engineering tools and technologies.
- Represent the engineering team professionally during customer meetings, site visits, and supplier interactions.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of controls engineering experience (or 14+ years of relevant experience without a degree), preferably in material handling, warehouse automation, or industrial automation.
- Advanced experience programming PLCs and developing HMI/SCADA systems.
- Strong understanding of industrial networking architectures and communication protocols.
- Experience designing electrical control panels and selecting automation components.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or similar electrical design software.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to transition between engineering design and field commissioning.
- Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel up to 50% based on project requirements.
Why Join Us?
- Work on challenging, large-scale industrial automation and material handling projects.
- Enjoy a collaborative, team-oriented culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
- 401(k) with generous employer matching.
- Profit-sharing opportunities.
- Flexible work environment with autonomy and ownership.
- Opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and career growth.
- Team events, community involvement, and a culture that values both hard work and having fun.
Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Senior Controls Engineer
Other similar jobs
Popular job searches
Your next job
starts here.
JOB SPECIALISMS
LATEST JOBS
TOP SEARCHES
LOCATIONS
- Manufacturing
- Electronics Engineering
- Maintenance
- Mechanical Engineering
- Operatives/General Labour
- Maintenance
- Electrical Engineering
- Stores & Warehouse
- Automation
- Production Planning & Material...
- Process & Manufacturing Engine...
- Maintenance/Technicians
LATEST JOBS
- Warehouse Operative
- Cable Assembler
- Field Service & Site Execution...
- Controls Engineer
- Senior Controls Engineer
- Robotics Sales Manager
- Electronic Assembly Technician
- Production Engineer
- Machine Setting Operator
- Commercial Manager
- Technical Specialist
- PLC Programmer
TOP SEARCHES
LOCATIONS
- Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Senior Data Scientist
- Head of Data Science
- Trainee Data Scientist
- Data Science Graduate
- Senior Financial Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Civil Engineer
- Senior Civil Engineer
- Civil Design Engineer