Engineering Jobs in Colonial Heights Tennessee

Controls Engineer (Direct Hire) | Near Kingsport, TN | 85-90K

A highly reputable manufacturing company in East Tennessee is seeking a Controls Engineer to join their team. This is a Direct Hire opportunity offering long-term stability, strong benefits, and the chance to work with advanced manufacturing systems in a growing operation.

The Controls Engineer will partner closely with manufacturing teams to support, maintain, and improve automated and semi-automated production equipment. This role focuses on PLC programming, controls troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance equipment performance and plant efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and assist with the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical and electronic control systems
• Lead and document PLC preventative maintenance programs
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems
• Support engineers and contractors in developing equipment schematics compliant with NEC and applicable electrical codes
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment downtime and implement corrective actions
• Develop standardized work procedures and technical documentation
• Provide process engineering and technical support for plant manufacturing
• Lead and participate in Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing initiatives
• Partner with plant leadership on continuous improvement projects that improve productivity and profitability
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 Quality Systems and ISO 14001 Environmental standards
• Provide training and technical guidance on PLC operation and controls systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, or related field)
• 3–5 years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (major PLC platforms)
• Proven experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment
• Knowledge of electrical codes, schematics, and industrial control systems
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards preferred
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills

Why This Opportunity?

• Direct Hire position
• Work with a well-established East Tennessee manufacturer
• Opportunity to lead automation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Competitive salary based on experience, education, and technical expertise
• Strong long-term career potential in a stable manufacturing environment

If you have experience with PLC programming, industrial automation, and manufacturing controls, we would like to speak with you.

Apply today to learn more about this opportunity.

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Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.