General Motors

Senior Controls Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in automotive vehicle assembly manufacturing.
  • Expertise in Rockwell / Allen-Bradley ControlLogix systems.
  • Advanced troubleshooting with FANUC robotics.
  • High-level analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends.

Responsibilities

  • Lead controls engineering strategy for vehicle assembly systems.
  • Serve as technical authority for PLC and robotics standards.
  • Manage complex electrical and controls projects.
  • Develop cost estimates and business cases for capital projects.
  • Provide technical mentorship across shifts.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data.
  • Represent engineering in plant leadership and cross-functional meetings.

Benefits

  • Relocation benefits may be available.
  • Opportunity for technical mentorship and leadership development.
  • Engagement in high-impact continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Involvement in major capital projects and new model launches.
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 Engineeris responsible forproviding advanced controls engineeringandtechnical 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 throughputobjectives.This role drives capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and new modellaunchwhile ensuring long-term reliability and cost-effective maintenance of plant systems.

WhatYoullDo

  • 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, andappropriationrequests 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 initiativesutilizingstatistical 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 andmonitorproject 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, andmaximumthroughput strategies.
  • Partner with Plant Training teams to develop and deploy training fornew technologiesintroduced 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, andmodifyelectrical schematics and controls documentation.
  • Strongexpertisein 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, andhigh-impact.
  • High levelof 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+ yearsin automotive vehicle assembly manufacturing.
  • Experience leading automation strategy or large capital projects.
  • Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineeringor equivalent technical experience.
  • Experience with manufacturing software integration (MES, SCADA, data acquisition systems).
  • Demonstrated mentoring or supervisory experience over engineering or technical 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.

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.

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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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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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