General Motors

Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer

General Motors • $95K — $115K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • Five or more years of experience in manufacturing controls or automation.
  • Strong background in designing and commissioning automated manufacturing systems.
  • Proficiency with PLCs, HMIs, drives, and industrial control systems.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to read technical schematics.
  • Demonstrated project execution and supplier management experience.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and work independently.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution of controls engineering projects from concept to production launch.
  • Develop and approve designs for hardware and software, including PLCs and safety systems.
  • Program, troubleshoot, and validate automated production systems.
  • Enhance and ensure compliance with GM's global controls standards.
  • Conduct testing and validation for equipment installation and commissioning.
  • Provide technical direction to engineers and suppliers during project execution.
  • Collaborate with global teams on advanced automation technology development.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with in-office expectations at least 3 times a week.
  • Regular travel required (25-50%) for project and support activities.
  • Potential eligibility for relocation benefits.
  • Company vehicle provided upon passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer designs, develops, integrates, commissions, launches, and continuously improves automated manufacturing systems supporting GM’s global vehicle and propulsion manufacturing operations.

This role provides technical leadership across new product programs, plant launches, equipment upgrades, and production support activities. The engineer collaborates with manufacturing engineering, plant operations, suppliers, product engineering, IT, robotics, safety, cybersecurity, and Global Automation teams to deliver safe, reliable, standardized, and high-performing controls solutions.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead controls engineering execution for new and existing manufacturing programs from concept through production launch.

  • Develop, review, and approve controls hardware and software designs, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety systems, I/O, industrial networks, and plant-floor interfaces.

  • Program, troubleshoot, integrate, and validate automated equipment and production systems.

  • Apply GM Global Common Controls standards for hardware, software, build, safety, networks, and cybersecurity.

  • Perform or oversee emulation, offline testing, supplier buyoffs, equipment runoffs, installation, commissioning, and production validation.

  • Provide technical direction to controls engineers, suppliers, integrators, and plant personnel.

  • Manage project scope, timing, risks, issues, deliverables, and escalations through resolution.

  • Partner with equipment suppliers to establish requirements, review designs, resolve technical issues, and ensure compliance with GM standards.

  • Support plant launches, production ramp-up, equipment modifications, downtime recovery, and complex controls troubleshooting.

  • Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, uptime, and throughput.

  • Participate in investment studies, preliminary designs, equipment selection, cost estimating, and technical sourcing activities.

  • Develop and maintain standardized controls templates, engineering tools, design aids, and technical documentation.

  • Capture lessons learned and incorporate improvements into standards, processes, and future program designs.

  • Collaborate with global teams on technology development, proof-of-concept activities, and deployment of advanced automation solutions.

  • Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

  • Five or more years of experience in manufacturing controls, automation, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.

  • Experience designing, programming, integrating, and commissioning automated manufacturing equipment.

  • Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety controls, industrial networks, and electrical control systems.

  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications.

  • Demonstrated experience executing projects and managing equipment suppliers.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams in technical center, supplier, and plant environments.

  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including occasional extended assignments and off-shift or weekend support during launches.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

  • Experience in automotive manufacturing, including vehicle assembly, body, paint, stamping, general assembly, propulsion, battery, or conveyor systems.

  • Knowledge of GM Global Common Controls standards for hardware, software, build, safety, networks, or cybersecurity.

  • Experience with emulation and virtual validation tools, such as Emulate3D.

  • Experience integrating controls with plant-floor systems, MES, production monitoring, error proofing, Andon, vehicle tracking, or enterprise IT systems.

  • Experience with Siemens controls, HMI platforms, EPLAN, machine vision, robotics, or industrial cybersecurity.

  • Experience developing automation standards, reusable templates, engineering tools, or technical training.

  • Familiarity with scripting or programming languages such as Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or XML.

  • Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. 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. This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.

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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