Off-Shift Automation Controls Engineer – Robotics & PLC

General Motors; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to join the 3rd shift, providing hands-on troubleshooting and support for PLC, drive, and networked manufacturing systems in a plant environment in Flint, MI. You will lead escalation during off-shift events and work on conveyance and assembly equipment to improve reliability.

The role includes participation in planned shutdowns, model changes, and long-term reliability improvements, with a focus on safety and proactive problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as an automation controls engineer, robotics engineer, manufacturing engineer, or robot programmer.
• Strong knowledge and troubleshooting experience with robotics and automation systems in manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with Fanuc 2D and 3D vision sensors.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting for PLC-, drive-, and network-based systems during 3rd-shift production.
• Serve as primary controls engineering escalation point for Skilled Trades during off-shift events.
• Diagnose and resolve issues on automotive conveyance systems (skid, power-and-free, EMS/VAC).
• Support and troubleshoot general assembly equipment and drive-controlled equipment.
• Troubleshoot Rockwell PowerFlex VFDs and motor starters to maintain throughput and stability.
• Diagnose DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP communication issues affecting production systems.
• Support Siemens HMIs programmed via TIA Portal, including alarms and operator interface issues.
• Stabilize PID-controlled processes (temperature, airflow, pressure, flow) in coordination with operations.
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Make risk-based decisions during live production for interventions and deferrals.
• Support and execute controls projects during shutdowns and model launches.

Skills

Automation controls

Robotics engineering

Troubleshooting

Rockwell PLCs

VFDs & motor starters

PID control

Industrial networks

Siemens HMI

Vision sensors

Off-shift availability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering

Tools

TIA Portal

Rockwell Automation tools

EPLAN

Cognex/vision systems

Job description

General Motors is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to join the 3rd shift, providing hands-on troubleshooting and support for PLC, drive, and networked manufacturing systems in a plant environment in Flint, MI. You will lead escalation during off-shift events and work on conveyance and assembly equipment to improve reliability.

The role includes participation in planned shutdowns, model changes, and long-term reliability improvements, with a focus on safety and proactive problem-solving.