General Motors

Controls Engineer

General Motors • $75K — $95K *
Flint, MI 48504In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in automated manufacturing systems within an automotive assembly environment.
  • Proficient in programming, troubleshooting, and modifying Rockwell/Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or GuardLogix PLCs.
  • Experience with automotive conveyance systems such as skid, skillet, power-and-free, EMS/VAC.
  • Strong practical knowledge of process-driven equipment like ovens, thermal systems, pumps, and fans.
  • Expertise in Rockwell PowerFlex VFDs and motor starters.
  • Familiarity with PID control fundamentals and stabilizing related processes.
  • Ability to read and modify electrical schematics and controls documentation.

Responsibilities

  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting for manufacturing systems during 3rd-shift production.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for Skilled Trades during off-shift events.
  • Diagnose and resolve automotive conveyance systems issues.
  • Support and troubleshoot paint shop process equipment.
  • Conduct troubleshooting on communication issues for DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP systems.
  • Support and modify Siemens HMIs programmed via TIA Portal.
  • Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for overtime and weekend work as required.
  • Hands-on experience with advanced automated systems in a critical production environment.
  • Potential for career growth through participation in project execution and process improvement initiatives.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

The Controls Engineer is a plant-embedded, hands-on engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during off-shift hours. This position is often the only controls engineer on shift and requires strong independent technical judgment to troubleshoot, stabilize, and improve production equipment with limited escalation support.

The role supports a mixed environment of conveyance and process-driven systems, including automotive material handling as well as paint shop process equipment such as ovens, dip tanks, RTOs, sludge systems, and air supply house systems. In addition to off-shift production support, the engineer will participate in planned shutdowns, downtimes, and model change activities, supporting project execution, upgrades, and long-term reliability improvements.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)
  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting and support for PLC-, drive-, and network-based manufacturing systems during 3rd-shift production.
  • Serve as the primary controls engineering escalation point for Skilled Trades during off-shift events.
  • Diagnose and resolve issues on automotive conveyance systems (e.g., skid, skillet, power-and-free, EMS/VAC).
  • Support and troubleshoot paint shop process equipment, including ovens, tanks, fans, pumps, RTOs, sludge handling, and air systems.
  • Troubleshoot and support Rockwell PowerFlex VFDs, motor starters, and related drive-controlled equipment impacting throughput or process stability.
  • Diagnose DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP communication issues affecting production systems.
  • Support, troubleshoot, and modify Siemens HMIs programmed via TIA Portal, including alarm handling, visualization, and operator interface issues.
  • Support and stabilize PID-controlled processes, including temperature, airflow, pressure, and flow loops, in coordination with operations.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on recurring equipment or process failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Make sound risk-based decisions during live production regarding intervention, containment, or deferral to dayshift.
  • Support and execute controls projects during planned shutdowns, downtimes, and model launch activities, including installation support, integration, debug, and validation.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Skilled Trades to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and maintainability.
  • Maintain and update controls documentation, backups, and standards as required.
  • Champion safety as the highest priority during all troubleshooting and project activities.


Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience supporting automated manufacturing systems in an automotive assembly environment.
  • Advanced ability to program, troubleshoot, and modify Rockwell / Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or GuardLogix PLCs in a production environment.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience supporting automotive conveyance systems (e.g., skid, skillet, power-and-free, EMS/VAC).
  • Experience troubleshooting process-driven equipment such as ovens, thermal systems, pumps, fans, or air handling systems.
  • Strong troubleshooting experience with Rockwell PowerFlex VFDs and motor starters.
  • Working knowledge of PID control fundamentals and experience stabilizing temperature, airflow, pressure, or flow processes.
  • Working knowledge of DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP industrial networks and associated diagnostics.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics and controls documentation.
  • Demonstrated capability to independently resolve complex, ambiguous production and process issues under time pressure.
  • Must be able to work overtime and weekends, as needed.


What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • 3+ years of prior automotive or manufacturing experience, particularly in Paint Shop environments.
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
  • Experience serving as the primary or sole controls engineer on an off-shift.
  • Experience supporting or commissioning large-scale conveyance systems.
  • Experience supporting or tuning large process systems (ovens, RTOs, thermal or airflow-based equipment).
  • Working knowledge of GM controls standards (e.g., GCCH-1, GCCS-2).
  • Experience with Fanuc robots or robot-integrated systems.
  • EPLAN experience or certification.
  • Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, VMT, Liberty Reach, Keyence).
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.The selected candidate will be required to travel

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.

Explore Job Opportunities

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.

Stay Connected

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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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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