Lead Controls Engineer - Plant Automation & Improvements

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

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.