Controls Engineer
Nidec · Tennessee
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Nidec (industrial) in Tennessee. A Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of systems that control and automate machinery and processes.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Tennessee: typical posted base $100k–$125k.
Median of the low and high ends of 4 live postings that list pay, out of 22 controls engineer openings in Tennessee, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Tennessee plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 21 other live controls postings in Tennessee.
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 86%
- Automation 77%
- Robotics 68%
- Root cause 41%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 32%
- ✓ Team leadership 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Python, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Nidec
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from NidecAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
a Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of systems that control and automate machinery and processes. This pivotal role is crucial for ensuring that production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely by optimizing system performance and integrating advanced technological solutions. The ideal candidate is not only technically adept but also innovative, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving. They should possess a comprehensive understanding of control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and HMI technologies, and be capable of working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to bring cutting-edge projects to fruition. In this position, you will be tasked with developing control schemes, conducting system testing and validation, troubleshooting and resolving system issues, and continuously improving existing processes.
Job Description
and Duties
- ◆Design and develop control systems for automated machinery and equipment
- ◆Conduct system testing and validation procedures
- ◆Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system
requirements
- ✓Develop and implement software for control systems
- ✓Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems
- ✓Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications and operation manuals
- ✓Ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations
- ✓Monitor system performance and make necessary adjustments
- ✓Train personnel on the use and operation of control systems
- ✓Perform regular system maintenance and updates
- ✓Integrate new technologies into existing systems
- ✓Participate in the commissioning and start-up of new equipment
- ✓Provide technical support and expertise to other departments as needed
- ✓Analyze data from control systems to improve processes and efficiency
- ✓Collaborate with vendors and suppliers for equipment and software purchases
Knowledge & Experience
- ✓Requires understanding of basic context and practical knowledge of technical and business environment as well as potential and upcoming technical advances within area of specialization, typically obtained through advanced education and relevant experience
- ✓Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience
Work Shift Schedule
First Shift (United States of America)
No Soliciting
Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third part
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality.
All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- •Proven experience in controls engineering or similar role
- •Proficiency in control system design and implementation
- •Strong understanding of PLCs, DCS, and HMI systems
- •Skilled in the use of programming languages such as ladder logic, C, or Python
- •Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
- •Knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance
- •Good communication, analytical, and organizational skills and be able to work in a team environment.
- •Ability to conceive, develop, optimize, maintain and modify electronic/electrical system designs based on requirements.
- •Ability to provide technical coordination with internal and external suppliers and customers.
- •Bachelor's degree or equivalent in electrical or computer engineering or related field or 5+ years or experience.
Additional Job Details
Technical – T2
Organizational Impact
- •Works to achieve operational, functional, and/or business targets within team with direct and indirect impact on departmental or job family results, using practical technical principles
- •Intermediate-level technical contributor; generally works independently under moderate supervision and may seek advice of more senior employees in the same area
- •Failure to achieve results requires allocation of additional resources to meet goals and impacts project completion with the potential for additional financial expense.
- •Works on smaller, less complex projects/assignments
Communication & Influence
- •Communicates with employees typically within the department and/or job family, explaining and interpreting matters related to the department; may communicate with external clients or partners depending upon the job area
- •May influence employees within own job area at an operational level
Innovation & Complexity
- •Responsible for making minor improvements to technical/business processes, procedures, or systems to contribute to the performance of the team
- •Problems faced may be difficult but are not complex, requiring application of technical skills/analysis drawing from prior experiences, and typically involve consideration of multiple issues and impact job family and/or multiple teams
Leadership & Talent Management
- •May provide guidance, help with training and review work of entry-level employees
- •May lead parts of less complex projects or processes