Controls Automation Engineer at General Motors

Job Description

The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting electrical controls and robotic systems for presses and related industrial automation at Marion Metal Center. This role will apply strong technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, motion control, robotics, and safety systems to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient stamping operations, while supporting both new projects and existing production. Work is performed in a plant/manufacturing engineering environment where a considerable amount of creativity, initiative, and independent judgment are required.

Responsibilities include:

Drive automation projects, including SOR development, forecasting, hardware/software design review, runoff, and buyoff at the OEM and plant.

• Troubleshoot and modify PLC, HMI, motion, and safety control systems for transfer presses, coil feed lines, destackers, end-of-line automation, automated delivery systems, vision, and associated auxiliary equipment.

• Analyze products, process, and technology to define robust methods to operate and protect stamping processes, focusing on safety, quality, throughput, and uptime.

• Integrate plant floor controls with plant floor systems (e.g., error proofing, production monitoring, downtime tracking) following GM common controls architecture and standards.

• Diagnose and correct controls-related deficiencies in manufacturing processes, including complex downtime and quality issues, working closely with maintenance, operations, and suppliers.

• Provide technical direction to suppliers, contractors, and skilled trades during design, installation, debug, and launch activities in the press room.

• Support deployment and validation of new technologies (e.g., servo presses, advanced drives, safety PLCs, vision/error-proofing) to minimize risk for launch and ongoing operations.

• Participate in safety risk assessments (g-Risk), lockout/tryout reviews, and safety validation of equipment at OEM; ensure compliance to GM and regulatory requirements.

• Create, maintain, and improve checklists and documentation for press controls and automation, incorporating lessons learned across programs and shifts.

• Communicate project status, risks, and lessons learned to engineering and plant leadership; manage controls deliverables to meet timing and budget targets.

• Support Throughput Improvement Process (TIP).

• Use Maximo as needed (maintenance management tool) to support an effective production environment

• Train maintenance and production on equipment functionality.

• Demonstrate spare parts management

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications) –

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Computer, or related) or equivalent experience/training.

• 2+ Years with Strong technical knowledge of electrical/control systems and ability to apply these concepts in a production environment.

• Working knowledge of servo drives, motion control, and VFDs used on presses, transfer systems, and feed equipment.

• Experience with industrial robotics (Fanuc preferred) for material handling or press automation (blank destacking, end-of-line, palletizing, etc.).

• Proven ability to manage multiple challenging projects with a high level of autonomy and accountability for results.

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, plant personnel, and suppliers across shifts.

• Ability to work with shift flexibility; slight variations as projects mandate periodic weekends and holidays.

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• 3+Prior experience working as a controls engineer in the automotive sector, preferably within GM stamping, body, or GA plants.

• Familiarity with GM plant floor systems such as error proofing, production monitoring, Andon, and downtime reporting tools.

• General knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics used on presses and material handling equipment.

• Appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to work effectively with business partners to meet mutual goals

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. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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