Controls Hardware Design Engineer

ATC Automation is seeking a Controls Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in designing and delivering custom automated assembly and test systems for customers across a variety of industries, including transportation, life sciences, consumer products, and general manufacturing.

As a Controls Hardware Design Engineer, you will play a key role in developing electrical and pneumatic control system designs for engineered-to-order automation equipment. Working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, you will transform customer requirements into detailed hardware designs while ensuring compliance with industry standards, project schedules, and quality expectations.

This is a full-time, direct-hire position based at ATC Automation's headquarters in Cookeville, Tennessee. The position reports to the Director of the Life Science Division and partners closely with Business Unit Managers, Controls Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams to deliver innovative automation solutions.

Meet ATC Automation

Since 1977, ATC Automation has been a trusted leader in designing and building custom automation solutions. From concept to commissioning, we partner with some of the world's top brands to deliver precision-engineered machinery that improves efficiency, reliability, and performance. Our expertise spans industries that shape the way we live and move-Life Sciences, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), paid time off, and 401(k) with company match. Plus, you will get the opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation systems for leading manufacturers around the world.

How You'll Contribute

• Design complete electrical control systems for custom automation equipment, including electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics, panel layouts, cable routing diagrams, bills of materials (BOMs), and material requisitions.
• Perform engineering calculations including full-load amperage, short-circuit current ratings (SCCR), panel heat analysis, and component sizing.
• Develop and maintain standardized electrical design practices to improve consistency, quality, and efficiency across projects.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent electrical design software.
• Implement design automation tools, macros, scripting, and process improvements to streamline engineering workflows.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, controls engineering, manufacturing, and machine build teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with suppliers and vendors to evaluate components, obtain technical documentation, and resolve application-specific challenges.
• Apply electrical and controls engineering principles to design safe, reliable, and high-performing automation systems that meet customer requirements.
• Support Applications Engineering by providing technical input during concept development, estimating, and quoting activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware design issues during manufacturing, assembly, and system integration.
• Effectively communicate technical information with customers, vendors, and cross-functional project teams.
• Travel occasionally to customer sites or supplier locations as required to support project execution.

Ideal Technical Experience

• Strong knowledge of industrial electrical standards including NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 79, UL 508A, IEC 60204-1, and CE/Machinery Directive requirements.
• Familiarity with machine safety standards, including ISO 13849 and safety-related control system design.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, ePLAN, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar electrical CAD platforms.
• Experience designing pneumatic systems including valves, regulators, filters, manifolds, cylinders, and air preparation equipment.
• Working knowledge of PLC hardware, HMIs, industrial networks, robotics, and motion control systems to support hardware design decisions.
• Experience sizing industrial electrical systems (600 VAC or less), including transformers, disconnects, circuit protection, and power distribution.
• Knowledge of industrial control power systems including 24VDC controls, Class 2 circuits, and electronic circuit protection.
• Experience integrating third-party equipment such as vision systems, servo drives, robots, barcode readers, and safety devices.
• Familiarity with major industrial automation manufacturers including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Keyence, IFM, SMC, Festo, and similar suppliers.
• Experience working within a custom machine builder, systems integrator, or industrial automation environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in controls hardware design, automation engineering, or industrial electrical system design.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Performance Expectations

• Accuracy and completeness of electrical design packages.
• On-time completion of engineering deliverables to support project schedules.
• Reduction of engineering change orders resulting from design errors.
• Compliance with applicable electrical and safety standards.
• Standardization and continuous improvement contributions across engineering projects.
• Effective collaboration with manufacturing, integration, and project teams to achieve successful machine builds.

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to floor.
• Exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
• Exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• VISUAL ACUITY: Near acuity with or without accommodation.
• HEARING Ability: Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change but will remain in effect until superseded or canceled in writing by Human Resources.

ATC Automation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

ATC Automation is the Automation segment of TASI Group. The TASI Group of Companies is comprised of four technologically advanced Strategic Business Segments commonly linked by a disciplined focus on Product Integrity, Package Integrity, and Automation. Each TASI company delivers world-class products and services, focusing on our global customer needs in diverse market segments. TASI has served several thousand global customers over the years and enjoys a very high rate of repeat customers, many of which are Blue Chip Global Companies. Major Markets include: Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods and General Industrial Equipment.