Controls Engineer at General Motors

Job Description

The Role

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for automation project execution and plant floor production support, focusing on machine controls, vision systems, laser marking, and robotics. This position requires a high degree of creativity, initiative, and independent judgment within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Note: This position requires the ability to work rotating shifts when required. The engineer will provide plant-floor technical support during these shifts, ensuring smooth production, addressing equipment downtime, and coordinating with day-shift engineering and maintenance teams for follow-up actions.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot electrical control systems.
• Lead design, integration, installation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and tools.
• Provide hands-on plant floor support for automation, controls, and production systems during B & C shifts.
• Respond to machine faults and downtime issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and update controls-related documentation and electrical schematics.
• Support equipment build, runoff, and buyoff processes.
• Provide technical direction and oversight to external vendors and system integrators.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standardized control architectures across the plant.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve uptime and efficiency.
  
  
  

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of Allen-Bradley control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and Ethernet/IP networks.
• Experience with Fanuc CNC, Siemens Step 7, and Siemens 840D systems.
• Knowledge of servo motors, motion control, vision systems, and drives.
• Ability to design and troubleshoot electrical control systems.
• Understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or Eplan ability to read and update electrical prints.
• Proven ability to manage complex technical projects with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated understanding of plant-floor operations and maintenance support requirements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work any shift and provide off-shift coverage as needed.
• Assignment location: GMCH LLC – Grand Rapids, MI
  
  
  

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Experience with Cognex and Keyence vision systems.
• Familiarity with laser marking and high-power laser welding systems.
• Knowledge of Fanuc robot programming and robotic cell integration.
• Visual Basic or similar programming experience.
• Prior automotive manufacturing experience as a Controls Engineer.
• Experience specifying and integrating PLC/HMI systems with vision and robotics.
• Familiarity with GM Global Controls Architecture (GCA) standards.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and project management skills.
  
  
  

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 <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

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All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

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