Sr Controls Engineer

Ultium Cells LLC; Spring Hill (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Generous Holiday Schedule

Tuition Assistance for continuing education

Vehicle Discount Program on General Motors branded vehicles

Communication Stipend for Personal Cell Phone

Job summary

Ultium Cells LLC in Spring Hill, Tennessee is seeking an Automation Engineer to join its technical team. This role focuses on developing, modifying, and maintaining PLC programs while troubleshooting complex automation issues. Strong collaboration is essential as you will work with internal and external teams.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in industrial controls, preferably in manufacturing. Competitive benefits include comprehensive insurance and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial controls experience required; manufacturing/automotive experience preferred.
• Experience with controls systems, electrical design, and automation equipment.
• Bilingual Korean/English is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs for automation.
• Design and maintain HMI interfaces to enhance visibility.
• Support preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.

Skills

Industrial controls experience

Strong problem-solving skills

Teamwork and communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal/STEP 7, Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley)

AutoCAD Electrical

Industrial electrical codes (NFPA, NEC)

Job description

Ulitum Cells Overview

Ultium Cells, LLC. is a joint venture Lithium‑ion battery cell manufacturing plant between LG Energy Solution, Ltd., and General Motors. This high‑technology plant will have the latest in battery cell manufacturing technology. Ultium Cells’ partners include LG Energy Solution, Ltd.; the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive battery cells, and General Motors; a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around.

Position Description

This position is part of a technical team responsible for automation and controls engineering within a highly automated manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include continuous improvement, troubleshooting equipment/manufacturing/facility issues, analyzing production performance, and implementing optimized manufacturing methods to ensure high yield, efficiency, and reliability. The role requires collaboration with internal teams, external customers, and vendors to resolve urgent and complex issues. This position supports plant operations as needed and requires occasional on‑call support.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs (Siemens TIA Portal/STEP 7, Mitsubishi, Allen‑Bradley, Omron, CompactLogix), including design, simulation, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Program and optimize motion control systems, including servo motors, robotics, and PID loop tuning.
• Integrate and support manufacturing subsystems such as barcode/RFID readers, robotics, vision systems, scales, sampling equipment, transmitters, VFDs, soft starters, servo drives, and motor starters.
• Design, develop, and maintain HMI interfaces to enhance operator interaction, process visibility, and alarm management.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, panel layouts, and controls documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent tools.
• Support industrial networks and communication protocols, including Profinet, EtherNet/IP, OPC‑UA, Modbus, HART, TCP/IP, and Profibus.
• Lead or support equipment startup activities, including FAT/SAT, commissioning, and production readiness validation.
• Support electrical substation systems including power meters, protection relays, transformers, and battery systems (maintenance, troubleshooting, and projects).
• Diagnose and resolve automation‑related downtime quickly to minimize production impact.
• Maintain program version control and accurate documentation in alignment with site standards.
• Support preventive maintenance and equipment cleaning activities as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or related field required.
• 5+ years of industrial controls experience required; manufacturing/automotive environment experience preferred (substation experience a plus).
• Experience with controls systems, electrical design, automation equipment, and mechanical assemblies.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a proactive, resourceful, and self‑motivated approach.
• Exposure to battery manufacturing or processes is a plus.
• Bilingual Korean/English is a plus, but not required.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of industrial electrical codes, including NFPA and NEC standards.
• Commitment to promoting a safe work environment.
• Project management experience preferred.

Total Rewards Information

• 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Holiday Schedule
• Tuition Assistance for continuing education
• Vehicle Discount Program on General Motors branded vehicles
• Communication Stipend for Personal Cell Phone

Equal Employment Opportunity

We extend equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic disposition or any other reason protected by law.

Legal & Training Requirements

Ultium Cells will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which Visa‑sponsorship will be provided. Individuals who need sponsorship for work authorization, now or in the future, are not eligible for hire for this role.

Employee may be exposed to or working with hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste. Upon hire, employee will receive initial Environmental training over RCRA, SWPPP, SPCC, and emergency escalation. Annual refresher training will be completed every year after to fulfill the requirements of 40 CFR. Other training to be provided as required.

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