General Motors

Senior Controls Engineer

General Motors • $90K — $120K *
Lake Orion, MI 48362In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in automotive vehicle assembly manufacturing.
  • Expertise in programming Rockwell / Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platforms.
  • Advanced troubleshooting experience with FANUC robotics.
  • Strong ability to interpret electrical schematics and controls documentation.
  • Proficient in industrial networks including DeviceNet, ControlNet, and Ethernet/IP.
  • Demonstrable leadership skills in complex problem resolution.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering strategy for manufacturing systems in a vehicle assembly facility.
  • Serve as the technical authority for PLC and robotics standards.
  • Manage complex electrical and controls projects from planning to execution.
  • Develop and approve capital project estimates and business cases.
  • Mentor Controls Engineers and Skilled Trades across shifts.
  • Lead root cause analysis for equipment failures.
  • Drive initiatives for continuous improvement using statistical methods.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for relocation benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Orion, MI on a full-time basis.

The Role

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for providing advanced controls engineering and technical oversight within a vehicle assembly manufacturing environment. This role exercises a high degree of independent judgment, strategic thinking, and technical authority to support plant performance, safety, quality, cost, and throughput objectives. This role drives capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and new model launch while ensuring long-term reliability and cost-effective maintenance of plant systems.

What You'll Do

  • Lead controls engineering strategy and execution for manufacturing systems within a vehicle assembly facility.


  • Serve as the technical authority for PLC, robotics, and network architecture standards.


  • Manage and execute complex electrical and controls projects including new installations, major upgrades, model change activities, throughput improvements, and lifecycle replacements.


  • Develop and approve cost estimates, investment forecasts, business cases, and appropriation requests for capital projects.


  • Provide technical mentorship to Controls Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Skilled Trades across multiple shifts.


  • Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex equipment and system failures.


  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing statistical methods and data-driven decision making.


  • Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering, corporate engineering organizations, and suppliers on new model planning, CQPI, sourcing, and equipment validation.


  • Establish and manage project support plans between plant operations, corporate engineering, and contractor resources.


  • Represent Engineering in plant leadership meetings and cross-functional business planning activities.


  • Influence plant-wide goals through Business Plan Deployment and cross-functional alignment.


  • Support implementation of GMS and Quality Network initiatives to improve operational excellence.


  • Oversee development and adherence to engineering standards, documentation, and best practices.


  • Develop and monitor project schedules, risk mitigation plans, and execution timelines.


  • Provide input into plant capital planning and Central Manufacturing Engineering budgets.


  • Ensure long-term reliability, maintainability, and cost efficiency of manufacturing equipment and infrastructure.


  • Drive energy efficiency, operational cost reduction, and maximum throughput strategies.


  • Partner with Plant Training teams to develop and deploy training for new technologies introduced to the facility.


  • Champion safety as the highest priority, enforcing safe work practices and driving improvements in ergonomics, health, safety, and housekeeping.


  • Maintain strong working relationships with hourly employees, union leadership, plant management, suppliers, and external support organizations.


Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Advanced ability to program, optimize, and troubleshoot Rockwell / Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platforms.


  • Advanced troubleshooting and programming experience with FANUC robotics.


  • Expert-level ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics and controls documentation.


  • Strong expertise in troubleshooting complex automated manufacturing systems.


  • Advanced knowledge of industrial networks (DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP).


  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex problem resolution where problems are unusual, ambiguous, and high-impact.


  • High level of analytical capability and structured problem-solving skills.


  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (oral and written).


  • Willingness to work any shift and support off-shift production, shutdowns, and launch activities.


  • Willingness to support weekend or extended hours during critical production and project phases.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Significant experience of 5+ years in automotive vehicle assembly manufacturing.


  • Experience leading automation strategy or large capital projects.


  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical experience.


  • Experience with manufacturing software integration (MES, SCADA, data acquisition systems).


  • Demonstrated mentoring or supervisory experience over engineering or technical teams.


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.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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