Controls Engineer - Custom Automation

ATC Automation • Cookeville, TN

18d • Onsite

About The Position

ATC Automation is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to design, program, troubleshoot, and commission control systems for custom automation equipment in Cookeville, Tennessee. The role spans projects from concept through completion, translating customer requirements into reliable, high-performing automated systems. The engineer will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and project engineering teams and work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, and industrial networks.

ATC Automation designs and delivers custom machinery for customers in Life Science, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry. The position includes machine startup, testing, commissioning, customer acceptance, and technical support during installation. Periodic travel is required for equipment installation, startup, customer meetings, and other project activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience designing, programming, or troubleshooting PLC-based control systems.
• Experience with electrical controls and automated machinery.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation, machine controls, and electrical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting complex automation equipment and identifying root causes.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented engineering environment.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, project managers, and customers.
• Ability to clearly explain technical information and troubleshooting solutions.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively to a cross-functional team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to reliable, high-quality automation systems.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to floor; exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Near visual acuity, with or without accommodation.
• Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose issues.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Studio 5000 and Siemens/TIA Portal.
• Experience with HMI programming, robotics, servo systems, VFDs, machine vision, industrial networking, safety systems, and machine commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and integrate control systems for custom automation equipment.
• Develop and modify PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, and other automation software.
• Create and review electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Integrate electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, robotic, vision, and controls systems.
• Troubleshoot and debug equipment during assembly, startup, testing, and commissioning.
• Participate in machine startup, system testing, and customer acceptance activities.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks and control system hardware.
• Develop machine sequences, control logic, alarms, operator interfaces, and system functionality.
• Support development and implementation of machine safety systems.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Project Management throughout project lifecycles.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting during machine installation and startup.
• Research and evaluate new controls technologies, components, and programming methods.
• Maintain project schedules and priorities while supporting multiple automation projects.
• Travel periodically for equipment installation, startup, customer meetings, and project activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k).
• Professional development, technical training, career growth, and advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative engineering environment focused on innovation, technology, and problem-solving.
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom-designed automation systems across a variety of industries and with a broad range of automation technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level