Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer

generalmotors; Warren (MI); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors in Warren, MI seeks a Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and launch automated manufacturing systems across GM’s global operations. You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure safe, reliable, high-performing controls solutions.

Expect domestic and international travel and collaboration with IT, robotics, and product engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Computer Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing controls/automation experience.
• Experience designing, programming, integrating, and commissioning automated equipment.
• Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety controls, networks and electrical systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts and equipment specs.
• Experience managing projects and equipment suppliers.
• Analytical, communicative, organized, and decisive.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and travel domestically/internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering execution from concept through production launch.
• Develop and approve hardware/software designs for controls systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and validate automated equipment.
• Apply GM Global Common Controls standards for hardware, software, safety, networks, and cybersecurity.
• Oversee emulation, testing, supplier buyoffs, and production validation.
• Provide technical direction to engineers, suppliers, and plant personnel.
• Manage scope, timing, risks, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with suppliers to meet GM standards and requirements.
• Support launches, ramp-up, downtime recovery, and complex troubleshooting.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in investment studies and technical sourcing activities.
• Develop standardized controls templates and documentation.
• Capture lessons learned and improve standards and tools.
• Collaborate with global teams on new automation tech deployments.
• Promote safety, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

PLCs

HMIs

Drives

Safety controls

Industrial networks

Electrical schematics

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Root-cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Controls / Computer Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Emulate3D

EPLAN

HMI development tools

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Manufacturing Controls Engineer designs, develops, integrates, commissions, launches, and continuously improves automated manufacturing systems supporting GM’s global vehicle and propulsion manufacturing operations.

This role provides technical leadership across new product programs, plant launches, equipment upgrades, and production support activities. The engineer collaborates with manufacturing engineering, plant operations, suppliers, product engineering, IT, robotics, safety, cybersecurity, and Global Automation teams to deliver safe, reliable, standardized, and high-performing controls solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead controls engineering execution for new and existing manufacturing programs from concept through production launch.
• Develop, review, and approve controls hardware and software designs, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety systems, I/O, industrial networks, and plant-floor interfaces.
• Program, troubleshoot, integrate, and validate automated equipment and production systems.
• Apply GM Global Common Controls standards for hardware, software, build, safety, networks, and cybersecurity.
• Perform or oversee emulation, offline testing, supplier buyoffs, equipment runoffs, installation, commissioning, and production validation.
• Provide technical direction to controls engineers, suppliers, integrators, and plant personnel.
• Manage project scope, timing, risks, issues, deliverables, and escalations through resolution.
• Partner with equipment suppliers to establish requirements, review designs, resolve technical issues, and ensure compliance with GM standards.
• Support plant launches, production ramp-up, equipment modifications, downtime recovery, and complex controls troubleshooting.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, uptime, and throughput.
• Participate in investment studies, preliminary designs, equipment selection, cost estimating, and technical sourcing activities.
• Develop and maintain standardized controls templates, engineering tools, design aids, and technical documentation.
• Capture lessons learned and incorporate improvements into standards, processes, and future program designs.
• Collaborate with global teams on technology development, proof-of-concept activities, and deployment of advanced automation solutions.
• Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Five or more years of experience in manufacturing controls, automation, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience designing, programming, integrating, and commissioning automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety controls, industrial networks, and electrical control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, mechanical drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Demonstrated experience executing projects and managing equipment suppliers.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional teams in technical center, supplier, and plant environments.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including occasional extended assignments and off-shift or weekend support during launches.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing, including vehicle assembly, body, paint, stamping, general assembly, propulsion, battery, or conveyor systems.
• Knowledge of GM Global Common Controls standards for hardware, software, build, safety, networks, or cybersecurity.
• Experience with emulation and virtual validation tools, such as Emulate3D.
• Experience integrating controls with plant-floor systems, MES, production monitoring, error proofing, Andon, vehicle tracking, or enterprise IT systems.
• Experience with Siemens controls, HMI platforms, EPLAN, machine vision, robotics, or industrial cybersecurity.
• Experience developing automation standards, reusable templates, engineering tools, or technical training.
• Familiarity with scripting or programming languages such as Python, C#, VBA, JavaScript, or XML.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.The selected candidate will be required to travel on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will only be provided for this role by passing the Motor Vehicle Report review.

About GM

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