Controls Engineer - BB Nash
BB Nash Nashville seeks a hands-on Controls Engineer to design and optimize PLC/SCADA systems, ensuring safe, reliable, high‑quality production.
BB Nash in Nashville, Tennessee facility, we produce protein bars for the US market, supporting continued nationwide growth through a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and operational excellence.

Position Summary
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and support of automation and control systems across our manufacturing facility. This role will lead controls integration efforts for processing, packaging, utilities, and material handling systems while supporting operational reliability, system performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and automation systems with hands-on troubleshooting ability in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
This role is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a highly automated food manufacturing facility.
About the role:
Key Responsibilities
Automation & Controls Engineering
Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems
Support automation integration across processing, packaging, utilities, and conveying systems
Develop and maintain control system architectures, network layouts, and electrical documentation
Configure and support VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and process controls
Support integration of OEM equipment into plant-wide automation systems
Standardize controls platforms, programming structures, and documentation practices
Manufacturing Support & Troubleshooting
Provide technical support for production and maintenance teams during equipment downtime and troubleshooting
Diagnose electrical, controls, communication, and automation failures
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring equipment issues
Optimize equipment performance, uptime, and process reliability
Participate in startup, commissioning, and ramp-up activities
Capital Projects & System Integration
Lead controls portions of capital projects from concept through commissioning
Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal stakeholders
Support FAT/SAT execution and system validation activities
Ensure proper controls documentation, backups, and change management processes
Assist with project budgeting, timelines, and implementation planning
Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities for automation improvements, efficiency gains, and waste reduction
Support Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives
Develop performance monitoring tools, data collection methods, and reporting systems
Drive standardization and scalability across manufacturing systems
Compliance & Safety
Ensure automation systems comply with food safety, GMP, and site safety standards
Support machine safety assessments and implementation of safety controls
Maintain compliance with OSHA, electrical, and industrial automation standards
Promote safe work practices and proper lockout/tagout procedures
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
3+ years of controls engineering experience in manufacturing environments
Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing preferred
Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting
Experience with industrial automation platforms such as:
Rockwell / Allen-Bradley
Siemens
Ignition
Wonderware
FactoryTalk
Knowledge of:
HMIs and SCADA systems
Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and sensors
Electrical schematics and panel design
Experience supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project coordination skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with highly automated processing and packaging systems
Knowledge of batch systems and process automation
Experience with MES, OEE, and manufacturing data systems
Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and SQF environments
Experience with robotics and vision systems (REMOVE)
OSHA and machine safety knowledge
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience
Welcome with your application at the latest MONTH DATE 2026. We will review applications on an ongoing basis and the position may be filled before the last application day.
We appreciate LinkedIn, but to get a full picture of your experience, we ask you to also include a CV.
BB Nash is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
- Department
- Engineering
- Locations
- Nashville, TN, USA