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.

Since 1977, ATC Automation has been a trusted leader in designing and building custom automation solutions. Our expertise spans industries that shape the way we live and move.

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.

• 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.

• 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, Solid Works 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 24
  
  VDC 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,…