Controls Engineer

General Motors; Davison (GA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead controls projects and diagnose PLCs to improve plant reliability and performance. You will collaborate with trades and cross-functional teams to minimize downtime and optimize conveyors, automated storage, and legacy systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, project planning, and documentation, with on-site work five days a week and occasional weekend support to sustain production and safety standards.

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 and occasional Sundays/holidays.
• 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.

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

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Automation experience

Cross-functional teams

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

On-site availability

Weekend support

Manufacturing environment

Education

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

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Ignition SCADA

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

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