General Motors

Manufacturing Controls Engineering Lead

General Motors$95K — $115K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering, or related fields; or relevant hands-on experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in controls engineering or related fields.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial control systems in a manufacturing context.
  • Proficient in PLC and HMI programming, and industrial networking troubleshooting.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical support and direction for controls and automation partners.
  • Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for various equipment control issues.
  • Manage controls planning and execution for plant improvement projects.
  • Review and guide hardware and software changes, controls architecture, and documentation.
  • Coordinate with manufacturing engineers on process and equipment changes.
  • Develop project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates.
  • Support digital initiatives related to Device Level Analytics through various technical configurations.

Benefits

  • Collaborative working environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunity to lead and influence technical decisions within the plant.
  • Access to advanced manufacturing technology and systems.
  • Focus on continuous improvement and professional development initiatives.
  • Commitment to safety and adherence to industry standards.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Description

In this role, you will lead a team of Controls Engineers for the development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of industrial controls systems supporting GM Bedford's casting operations. You will partner with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, IT, suppliers, and plant leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, throughput, and equipment reliability.

You will lead a team to solve diverse, non-standard problems; develop practical solutions with limited precedent; and influence decisions across the plant through technical expertise, data, and collaboration.

Responsibilities
  • Provide technical support and direction for controls, automation, IT, maintenance, and skilled-trades partners.
  • Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for PLC, HMI, drive, network, safety, and equipment-control issues; follow actions through closure.
  • Lead controls planning and execution for die-casting, machining, melting, material handling, and plant improvement projects.
  • Review and guide hardware designs, software changes, controls architecture, testing, commissioning, buyoff, and documentation.
  • Coordinate with area manufacturing engineers on process changes, equipment planning, model change, throughput, sourcing, and project timing.
  • Develop project scopes, schedules, cost estimates, investment forecasts, business cases, appropriation requests, and execution plans.
  • Support Device Level Analytics and related plant digital initiatives through PLC configuration, device onboarding, data validation, health checks, and training.
  • Apply GM controls, electrical, safety, lockout, ESWP, and equipment buyoff standards; ensure safe work practices are the highest priority.
  • Use data and statistical problem-solving methods to improve equipment availability, cycle time, quality, capacity, and cost.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with plant leadership, hourly employees, union partners, suppliers, contractors, and technical organizations.
  • Lead a team of controls engineers and share lessons learned, standards, and best practices across the Bedford controls team.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation engineering, robotics engineering, or manufacturing systems integration.
  • Strong knowledge of industrial control systems and the ability to apply that knowledge in a manufacturing or production environment.
  • Experience with PLC and HMI programming, industrial networking, and controls system troubleshooting.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated technical leadership experience integrating or supporting robotics, automated equipment, or advanced manufacturing systems.
  • Experience supporting equipment buyoff, installation, launch, commissioning, and production startup.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, industrial Ethernet, and related plant-floor communication interfaces.
  • Experience with machine vision, vision-guided robotics, automated inspection, or error-proofing systems.
  • Experience influencing technical decisions, leading others, and driving improvements beyond an immediate assignment area.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing safety systems and safe automation design practices.
  • Experience working directly with suppliers, system integrators, and cross-functional plant teams.

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.

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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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