Job Description
The Automation Controls Engineer is an entry-level role supporting industrial automation and control systems in General Motors manufacturing facilities across Southeast Michigan, Saginaw, Flint, Toledo or Lansing area . You will help keep production equipment safe, reliable, and capable by learning how to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve PLCs, HMIs, drives, robotics, and related controls hardware in a high-volume plant environment.
This role is part of an exciting Associate/Entry-Level Automation Controls development program focused on building a long-term pipeline of Controls Engineers for GM Manufacturing. You will have access to structured training, on-the-job learning, and mentorship to grow into higher-level Controls roles over time.
This is an on-site role at one or more Southeast Michigan/Toledo or Lansing area manufacturing locations, and may require off-shift and weekend work based on production needs.
Key Responsibilities
Under the guidance of experienced Controls Engineers and skilled trades professionals, the Automated Controls Engineer will support manufacturing operations while developing foundational controls engineering skills.
Controls Troubleshooting & Production Support
Assistin analyzing, troubleshooting, and diagnosing basic electrical and controls issues on production equipment, including presses, machining centers, assembly stations, robots, and material handling systems.
Support data gathering during downtime events by reviewing fault history, PLC logic status, HMI alarms, and system diagnostics.
Document findings and observations for review by senior Controls Engineers.
Communicate status updates clearly during downtime events, shift handoffs, and production meetings.
PLC / HMI Learning & Application
Learn and apply PLC and HMI fundamentals using GM Global Common Controls standards and approved architectures.
Support basic PLC logic modifications and HMI screen updates using GM-standard templates, under supervision and review.
Assistin improving fault messages, operator prompts, and diagnostics to help reduce downtime and improve usability.
Electrical & Controls Systems Knowledge
Developa workingknowledge of the GM Common Controls Architecture, including PLCs, HMIs, drive controllers, industrial robotics, machine vision, and communications networks.
Learn how to read, interpret, andmodifyelectrical drawings, schematics, and I/O documentation.
Develop troubleshooting skills for electrical hardware and software issues in a manufacturing environment.
Commissioning, Changes & Documentation
Participate in commissioning activities for new or modified equipment, including I/O checkout, device verification, and sequence testing.
Assistinmaintainingaccurateas-built documentation such as electrical drawings, I/O lists, and backups of PLC, HMI, and robot programs.
Support controls changes and minor improvements under the direction of senior engineers.
Partnership with Maintenance & Operations
Work closely with electricians, millwrights, and production teams to support stable operations and resolve day-to-day issues.
Learn best practices for controls support in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Continuous Improvement
Assistwith data collection and basic analysis related to downtime, faults, and scrap toidentifyimprovement opportunities.
Support implementation of small controls improvements, such as sensor upgrades, standardized diagnostics, and minor safety enhancements.
Safety & Standards Compliance
Learn and follow GM Electrical Safe Work Practices, including lockout/tagout procedures.
Support and adhere to GM Safety Control Systems (SCS),MonitoredPower Systems (MPS), and other safety specifications.
Use GM-approved components, architectures, and standards under supervision.
Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience - candidates must meet one of the following:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering , Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or closely related field and:
No prior full-time experience required ; co-op, internship, military, or project experience in industrial automationstronglypreferred.
OR
Associate degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology, Industrial Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a closely related field; and:
Relevant hands-on experience (e.g., co-op/internship, military, skilled trades, systems integrator, or ~1+ year in an industrial controls/automation environment).
OR
Completion of an accredited vocational or technical certificate in industrial electricity, industrial automation, mechatronics, robotics, or PLC/controls ; and typically ~1+ years ofdirectly relatedindustrial experience (maintenance, controls, systems integration, or similar)demonstratingequivalent skills.
Work Location & Arrangement
Work Location: On-site at one or more General Motors manufacturing facilities in the Lansing, Toledo, Flint, Saginaw, Orion, and Warren area.
Work Arrangement: On-site role supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations; shift assignment will bedeterminedby business needs and may change over time. Some required training will be held onsite the TLU in Warren, MI.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).
This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.
The selected candidate will be required to travel on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
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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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/how-we-hire) .
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We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about:
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Our Culture
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