Controls Engineer - PLC & Plant Automation Lead

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

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.