Manufacturing Controls Engineering Lead

generalmotors; Bedford (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors Bedford Casting Operations seeks a senior Controls Engineering leader to guide a team in developing, implementing, and improving industrial control systems across casting processes. You will partner with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, IT, and suppliers to boost safety, quality, delivery, and equipment reliability.

You will mentor engineers, drive continuous improvement, review hardware and software designs, and deliver projects from scoping to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or related field; or equivalent hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and direction for controls, automation, IT, maintenance, and skilled-trades partners.

Skills

Controls engineering

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Industrial Ethernet

HMI programming

PLC programming

Machine vision

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

In this role, you will lead a team of Controls Engineers for the development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of industrial controls systems supporting GM Bedford’s casting operations. You will partner with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, operations, quality, IT, suppliers, and plant leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, throughput, and equipment reliability.

You will lead a team to solve diverse, non-standard problems; develop practical solutions with limited precedent; and influence decisions across the plant through technical expertise, data, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and direction for controls, automation, IT, maintenance, and skilled-trades partners.

• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for PLC, HMI, drive, network, safety, and equipment-control issues; follow actions through closure.

• Lead controls planning and execution for die-casting, machining, melting, material handling, and plant improvement projects.

• Review and guide hardware designs, software changes, controls architecture, testing, commissioning, buyoff, and documentation.

• Coordinate with area manufacturing engineers on process changes, equipment planning, model change, throughput, sourcing, and project timing.

• Develop project scopes, schedules, cost estimates, investment forecasts, business cases, appropriation requests, and execution plans.

• Support Device Level Analytics and related plant digital initiatives through PLC configuration, device onboarding, data validation, health checks, and training.

• Apply GM controls, electrical, safety, lockout, ESWP, and equipment buyoff standards; ensure safe work practices are the highest priority.

• Use data and statistical problem‑solving methods to improve equipment availability, cycle time, quality, capacity, and cost.

• Maintain effective working relationships with plant leadership, hourly employees, union partners, suppliers, contractors, and technical organizations.

• Lead a team of controls engineers and share lessons learned, standards, and best practices across the Bedford controls team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands‑on technical experience.

• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation engineering, robotics engineering, or manufacturing systems integration.

• Strong knowledge of industrial control systems and the ability to apply that knowledge in a manufacturing or production environment.

• Experience with PLC and HMI programming, industrial networking, and controls system troubleshooting.

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical leadership experience integrating or supporting robotics, automated equipment, or advanced manufacturing systems.

• Experience supporting equipment buyoff, installation, launch, commissioning, and production startup.

• Experience with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, industrial Ethernet, and related plant‑floor communication interfaces.

• Experience with machine vision, vision‑guided robotics, automated inspection, or error‑proofing systems.

• Experience influencing technical decisions, leading others, and driving improvements beyond an immediate assignment area.

• Familiarity with manufacturing safety systems and safe automation design practices.

• Experience working directly with suppliers, system integrators, and cross‑functional plant teams.

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.)

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.

Accommodations

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