Senior Automotive Controls Engineer PLC, Robotics & Upgrades

General Motors; Lake Orion (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Orion, MI is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to provide advanced controls engineering and technical oversight in a vehicle assembly environment. The role emphasizes independent judgment, strategic thinking, and driving capital projects and continuous improvement to enhance safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

You will lead complex projects, mentor engineers across shifts, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and cost-effective plant systems from

Qualifications

• Advanced ability to program, optimize, and troubleshoot Rockwell / Allen-Bradley ControlLogix platforms.
• Advanced troubleshooting and programming experience with FANUC robotics.
• Expert-level ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Strong expertise in troubleshooting complex automated manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering strategy and execution for manufacturing systems within a vehicle assembly facility.
• Serve as the technical authority for PLC, robotics, and network architecture standards.
• Manage and execute complex electrical and controls projects including new installations, major upgrades, model change activities, throughput improvements, and lifecycle replacements.
• Develop and approve cost estimates, investment forecasts, business cases, and appropriation requests for capital projects.
• Provide technical mentorship to Controls Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Skilled Trades across multiple shifts.
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex equipment and system failures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing statistical methods and data-driven decision making.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering, corporate engineering organizations, and suppliers on new model planning, CQPI, sourcing, and equipment validation.

Skills

ControlLogix

FANUC robotics

Electrical schematics

Industrial networks

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MES

SCADA

Data acquisition

Job description

General Motors in Orion, MI is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to provide advanced controls engineering and technical oversight in a vehicle assembly environment. The role emphasizes independent judgment, strategic thinking, and driving capital projects and continuous improvement to enhance safety, quality, cost, and throughput.

You will lead complex projects, mentor engineers across shifts, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable and cost-effective plant systems from