Controls Engineer in Nashville, Tennessee at Spring Automation

About the Team At Spring Automation, our mission is to design, build, and install controls systems for the material handling industry. But what truly sets us apart is our purpose: to show how business can improve lives. We do this by cultivating strong relationships, empowering our team, and prioritizing integrity in everything we do.

We're a team that believes in winning together, guided by a simple philosophy of always doing what's right. Our culture is built on a people-first approach, a commitment to serving with excellence, and a strong sense of ownership on every project. We're driven by grit, urgency, and a long-term vision that allows us to think beyond today and build solutions that last.

About the Role The Controls Engineer supports and leads controls engineering efforts across material handling and industrial automation projects. Depending on experience, this role may focus on learning and execution, independent technical ownership, or leadership of complex systems and project teams.

Work includes electrical design, PLC programming, HMI/SCADA development, and on-site commissioning. Controls Engineers collaborate closely with project managers, engineering leads, and field teams to deliver safe, reliable, and high-performing systems. This position reports to an Engineering Team Lead or Engineering Manager depending on assignment and experience level.

In this role, you will…

• Contribute to or lead controls engineering efforts on material handling projects
• Develop, test, and troubleshoot PLC programs (primarily Rockwell Automation platforms)
• Design and develop HMI and/or SCADA applications
• Support commissioning lead with commissioning effort
• Participate in or drive project planning, including milestones, sprint planning, and execution tracking
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to ensure successful project delivery
• Provide technical input into system design, standards, and continuous improvement efforts
• Travel requirements will vary by role level and project needs (generally up to ~40% depending on assignment and seniority)

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• Experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or material handling systems
• Experience level ranging from entry-level (Controls Engineer I) through senior-level leadership (Senior Controls Engineer)
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (Rockwell Automation preferred)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development tools
• Familiarity with electrical design and CAD tools (AutoCAD Electrical preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced project environment
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for commissioning and project support
• Higher-level roles include increased technical ownership, leadership responsibility, and corresponding compensation adjustments