Controls Engineer

General Motors; Burton (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Michigan is seeking a Controls Engineer for the CCA Maintenance Team. You will lead controls projects, troubleshoot PLCs, and drive plantwide improvements for conveyors and automated storage systems.

This on‑site role partners with skilled trades to reduce downtime and improve system reliability in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. You’ll develop project plans, estimate costs, track progress, and train team members on controls concepts while maintaining documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or 4+ years of equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in controls, automation, or manufacturing.
• Availability to work on-site five days per week, including weekends.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley programmable logic controllers.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls-related projects including equipment installation, upgrades, and improvements.
• Troubleshoot and program programmable logic controllers to support plant operations.
• Support downtime events by identifying root causes and restoring systems quickly.
• Partner with skilled trades to resolve equipment and automation issues.
• Improve performance of conveyors, automated storage systems, and legacy equipment.
• Develop project plans, cost estimates, and timelines.
• Track and report project progress and results.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve system reliability and reduce waste.
• Support preventative maintenance and system optimization efforts.
• Build and improve production monitoring and alert systems for legacy equipment.
• Participate in plant meetings and provide technical input to improve performance.
• Train and guide technical team members on controls systems and troubleshooting.
• Maintain documentation for systems, changes, and projects.
• Follow and promote safe work practices at all times.
• Provide off‑shift and weekend support as needed.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

On-site work readiness

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

4+ years equivalent experience

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

Job Description

The CCA Maintenance Team is new and evolving, offering a unique opportunity to help shape the future of plant automation. As automation expands across the site, this role provides hands‑on experience with new technologies while supporting legacy systems. It also offers strong professional growth opportunities as future roles and responsibilities continue to develop.

As a Controls Engineer, you will lead controls‑focused projects, provide critical programmable logic controller (PLC) troubleshooting, and drive plantwide improvements. You will work closely with skilled trades and cross‑functional teams to reduce downtime, improve system performance, and ensure reliable operation of manufacturing equipment such as conveyors and automated storage systems. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on plant performance and efficiency.

What You’ll Do

• Lead controls-related projects including equipment installation, upgrades, and improvements




• Troubleshoot and program programmable logic controllers to support plant operations




• Support downtime events by identifying root causes and restoring systems quickly




• Partner with skilled trades to resolve equipment and automation issues




• Improve performance of conveyors, automated storage systems, and legacy equipment




• Develop project plans, cost estimates, and timelines




• Track and report project progress and results




• Identify and implement opportunities to improve system reliability and reduce waste




• Support preventative maintenance and system optimization efforts




• Build and improve production monitoring and alert systems for legacy equipment




• Participate in plant meetings and provide technical input to improve performance




• Train and guide technical team members on controls systems and troubleshooting




• Maintain documentation for systems, changes, and projects




• Follow and promote safe work practices at all times




• Provide off‑shift and weekend support as needed
  

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or 4+ years of equivalent experience




• 2+ years of experience in controls, automation, or manufacturing




• Availability to work on-site five days per week, including weekends (minimum two Saturdays per month) and occasional Sundays/holidays as required.




• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley programmable logic controllers




• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills




• Strong written and verbal communication skills




• Ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams




• Willingness to provide off‑shift and weekend support




• Ability to work onsite in a manufacturing environment




• Basic computer, documentation, and technical writing skills
  

What Can Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems such as Ignition




• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols




• Experience with machine safety systems and standards




• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems




• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills




• Ability to influence and drive change in a fast‑paced environment




• Initiative to identify and implement improvements




• Strong accountability and follow‑through




• Clear and effective communication skills




• Ability to train and support others in technical topics




• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on results

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 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

From day one, we’re looking out for your well‑being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

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

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

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.

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.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.