Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer - (Hybrid) Knoxville, TN - (Remote) West Michigan

DISHER is currently partnering with an innovative thermal management solutions company in search of a Controls Engineer to join their team. This organization focuses on advanced cooling technologies that help customers improve performance and efficiency across a range of industries. They are a fast-growing startup innovating the best process cooling equipment in the industry, and they’re looking for a Controls Engineer to join their growing team. In this role, you’ll design, develop, test, and improve electrical and control systems for our chiller products, working cross-functionally with mechanical, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

This role may be either hybrid in Knoxville, TN area or remote from West MI.

What it's like to work here:

The company is values-driven and focused on delivering cutting-edge cooling solutions through innovation, precision, and collaboration. Team members operate in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where they are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas, and continuously improve processes. You’ll join a growing, team-oriented organization that emphasizes both professional development and measurable results while maintaining an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking culture.

What you'll get to do:

• Develop control system architectures and schematics for new and revised products.

• Design and specify electrical panels, enclosures, wiring harnesses, I/O layouts, and component selection for production and serviceability.

• Create and maintain electrical (AC & DC power, control) schematics, and work with other designers/engineers to release backplane assembly and wire harness drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing work instructions.

• Develop and troubleshoot Carel PLC software for chiller control.

• Ensure control panel and system designs meet UL requirements (e.g. UL60335-2-40) and support UL certification/submission activities; coordinate with testing labs or certifying bodies as needed.

• Perform risk assessments, design reviews, and DFMEA for control systems; implement safety controls and interlocks per applicable standards.

• Support product validation: develop test plans, perform commissioning, debug field issues, and iterate designs for manufacturability and reliability.

• Collaborate with mechanical and manufacturing teams to balance cost, manufacturability, and performance for low-to-mid volume production.

• Provide technical support for customers and field service teams; create troubleshooting guides and training material.

• Work with suppliers and manufacturing to support production ramp-up, product & process development, and cost reduction.

• Create / process Engineering Change Requests (ECR’s) and Orders (ECO’s).

• Troubleshoot field and production issues; provide root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Ensure product designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

• Support project planning, schedule tracking, design reviews, and documentation.

What will make you successful:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years’ experience in controls engineering or related role, focused on product design for low-to-mid volume manufacturing.

• Hands-on PLC programming experience (Carel, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent); HMI/SCADA development experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of UL certification process and UL panel-building requirements (e.g. UL508A).

• Proficient with electrical CAD/schematic tools (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar) and experience producing manufacturing documentation.

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, etc.).

• Strong troubleshooting and commissioning skills; experience with on-site commissioning is a plus.

• Demonstrated competence with specifying industrial control components: motor starters, VFDs, contactors, relays, safety devices, and enclosures.

• Clear technical writing skills and experience creating BOMs, wiring diagrams, and build instructions.

• Excellent problem solving, collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UL submission paperwork and working directly with testing labs.

• Experience with low-to-mid volume manufacturing processes and DFM for electrical assemblies.

• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and version control.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Rockwell/Siemens, NFPA 79 knowledge, safety certifications).

• Hands-on prototyping and/or test experience.

• Background in Lean Product Development principles & tools.

• Basic budgeting and cost containment skills.

• Basic understanding of ISO 9000 (or similar quality system) design requirements

• Resilience working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment with shifting priorities

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work with prototype hardware.