General Motors

Controls Engineer

General Motors$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 2 years of experience as an Automation Engineer or Controls Engineer
  • Proficient in designing and troubleshooting Allen Bradley PLCs including Safety Logic
  • Experience in developing and maintaining HMI systems
  • Familiarity with industrial communication networks (EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, DeviceNet)
  • 2 years of experience with machine vision systems and automated conveyance systems
  • Knowledge of FANUC robotics and programming, including 3D vision applications

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement advanced automation systems for manufacturing operations
  • Document system requirements, functional specifications, and control strategies
  • Program and troubleshoot Allen Bradley PLCs and Siemens TIA Portal HMIs
  • Design and maintain industrial communication networks for real-time communication
  • Integrate and optimize FANUC industrial robots for various applications
  • Develop and troubleshoot machine vision systems for inspection and error proofing
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation and robotics technologies
  • Collaborative cross-functional team environment
  • Engagement in continuous improvement and innovation
  • Professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends
Full Job Description
Job Description

DUTIES: Design, develop, and implement advanced controls and automation systems for automotive body shop manufacturing operations, ensuring system reliability, efficiency, and compliance with established engineering standards. Develop and document system requirements, functional specifications, and control strategies for automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, machine vision, and conveyance technologies. Program, configure, and troubleshoot Allen Bradley PLCs (including Safety Logic) and Siemens TIA Portal HMIs, ensuring seamless integration with plant wide automation systems. Design, implement, and maintain industrial communication networks-including EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, and DeviceNet-to support real time communication across PLCs, robots, vision systems, and peripheral devices. Integrate, program, and optimize FANUC industrial robots for material handling, spot welding, dispensing, and vision guided operations. Develop, configure, and troubleshoot machine vision systems (Matrox, SICK, Keyence, Photoneo, FANUC Vision) for inspection, error proofing, and bin picking applications. Maintain and enhance vision guided bin picking solutions utilizing 3D vision technologies to increase automation efficiency and reduce manual handling. Support, maintain, and optimize conveyance systems, including Power & Free conveyors, Geo Pallet systems, skid conveyors, and Automated Guided Carts (AGCs), ensuring continuous and reliable production flow. Configure and troubleshoot Allen Bradley Variable Frequency Drives (PowerFlex, ArmorStart) and related motion control systems. Develop and implement error proofing systems such as torque verification (Atlas Copco), barcode readers (SICK, Matrox), RFID based tracking, and automated bin pick validation. Create and interpret electrical schematics using EPLAN to support system design, integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Perform root cause analysis of automation and controls failures using empirical data, trend analysis, diagnostic tools, and structured problem solving methodologies to drive corrective and preventive actions. Analyze manufacturing and operational data using DLA and Power BI (TBIA) to identify inefficiencies, improve throughput, and reduce downtime. Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, downtime elimination, and quality improvements (e.g., DRR reduction). Provide real time production support, including troubleshooting, maintenance assistance, and system optimization for high volume manufacturing lines. Develop and maintain custom engineering tools and applications to support automation systems, data analytics, and production performance monitoring. Ensure standardization, scalability, and reuse of automation components across new installations, upgrades, and major projects. Identify system vulnerabilities and implement

mitigation strategies to improve system reliability, robustness, and safety. Track, document, and report corrective actions, ensuring full closure and compliance with engineering and quality standards. Collaborate with cross functional partners-including manufacturing, quality, and maintenance-to support system integration, launch readiness, and production goals. Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing. Hybrid Work Policy - 3 days In-Office, 2 Days Remote - Must be able to report to local office.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field of study and Two (2) years of experience as an Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, or related occupation. Two (2) years of experience with the following: Designing, programming, and troubleshooting Allen Bradley PLCs, including Safety Logic; Developing and maintaining HMI systems; Designing and supporting industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, and DeviceNet; Configuring and troubleshooting machine vision systems; Supporting and optimizing automated conveyance systems; Configuring and troubleshooting VFDs; and Implementing and supporting error proofing technologies. One (1) year of experience with the following: Programming and troubleshooting FANUC robots for material handling, spot welding, dispensing, and vision guided applications; Developing and supporting 3D vision-based bin picking systems; Supporting high volume manufacturing operations through troubleshooting, optimization, and downtime reduction; and Python and SQL.

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About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

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Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

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Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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