General Motors

Senior Controls Engineer (Automation)

General Motors • $95K — $115K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or plant-based automation roles with proven achievements.
  • Strong analytical skills for solving complex technical problems in production environments.
  • Excellent communication skills for influencing cross-functional partners and stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of plant floor systems and production monitoring tools.
  • Experience with industrial controls hardware and software platforms, including PLC/HMI/robot/CNC systems.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and interfaces between parts design and controls.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Project management skills for planning, execution, and stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and commissioning of automation solutions for new equipment and upgrades.
  • Act as a technical leader for troubleshooting production equipment issues and driving root-cause analysis.
  • Define controls architecture and standards for projects, focusing on PLCs, HMIs, and safety systems.
  • Mentor engineers and technicians on best practices in controls design and programming.
  • Coordinate with engineering, operations, and maintenance partners to align project requirements.
  • Own and enhance plant floor systems for production monitoring and information management.
  • Ensure compliance of controls solutions with safety, quality, and productivity targets.
  • Manage controls project scope, including work package definitions and tracking progress.

Benefits

  • Relocation benefits may be available for the selected candidate.
  • Regular travel is required for this role, allowing for variety in job responsibilities.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer with a focus on industrial automation to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across multiple projects and production areas, guiding teams in the delivery of safe, reliable, and highly capable equipment.

This position is a strong fit for experienced controls engineers who have deep automation experience in manufacturing environments, even if they have not previously worked with our company or our specific standards. The emphasis is on demonstrated technical leadership, problem-solving, and ownership from concept through implementation.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead the design, development, and commissioning of automation and controls solutions for new equipment, process changes, and major upgrades.

  • Serve as a technical leader for troubleshooting and issue resolution on production equipment, driving structured root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.

  • Define controls architecture and standards for assigned projects or areas, including PLCs, HMIs, robots, drives, networks, and safety systems.

  • Provide technical direction and mentoring to other engineers, technicians, and suppliers on controls design, programming, and commissioning best practices.

  • Coordinate with cross-functional partners in engineering, operations, maintenance, and quality to align requirements, prioritize issues, and ensure successful project outcomes.

  • Own and improve plant floor systems such as production monitoring, and/or alerting, data collection, material call, and related manufacturing information systems.

  • Ensure that controls solutions support safety, quality, and productivity targets, including functional safety and cyber considerations where applicable.

  • Lead the development, review, and maintenance of documentation for electrical/controls designs, programs, and system changes, ensuring clarity and long-term maintainability.

  • Manage the controls scope for projects, including defining work packages, estimating effort, tracking progress, and managing changes, risks, and issues.

  • Partner with external suppliers and integrators, providing clear specifications and technical oversight to ensure delivered systems meet functional and performance expectations.

Required Qualifications – Your Skills & Abilities

  • Experience across multiple manufacturing engineering and/or plant-based automation roles (typically 4+ years) with a track record of successful individual and team-based achievements in controls or automation.

  • Strong engineering, critical thinking, and analytical skills with the ability to solve unusual and difficult technical problems in high-volume production environments.

  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and align cross-functional partners and stakeholders.

  • Working knowledge of plant floor systems, including production monitoring and control, andon or alert systems, upload/download and compare tools, throughput monitoring, and material call or dispatch systems.

  • Prior work experience with tooling or automated manufacturing systems and solid knowledge of commonly used industrial controls hardware and software platforms (for example, PLC/HMI/robot/CNC platforms from major vendors).

  • Understanding of manufacturing processes and part design interfaces, with experience applying PLC platforms, industrial robot programming, and CNC controls.

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience in industrial automation or controls.

  • Proven project management skills, including planning, execution, stakeholder communication, and proactive risk/issue management for controls-related scope.

Preferred Qualifications  What Will Set You Apart

  • Strong understanding of high-volume Automotive & allied industry manufacturing processes in production shops and associated quality management systems.

  • Proven experience leading new product or process launch activities, ensuring controls strategies are integrated with plant systems and aligned to launch deliverables and timing.

  • Experience defining, developing and/or improving existing controls standards, templates, and best practices across multiple lines, plants, or projects.

  • Demonstrated ability to coach and develop less-experienced engineers and technicians in automation and controls disciplines.

#LI-MH1

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 on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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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