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.

• 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.

• 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