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Controls Engineer

Today Lake Orion, MI

Description

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., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Orion, MI on a full-time basis.

The Role:

As a Lead Controls Engineer at Orion Assembly, you will serve as the technical leader for automation and controls systems supporting the launch and production of the T1XX-X program. You will oversee the integration, validation, and optimization of controls architecture across Body Shop operations, ensuring compliance with GM standards and seamless system performance.

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This role is critical to both launch execution and long-term system reliability. You will work closely with departmental controls engineers and mentor Tech 5 engineers, fostering technical growth and building a resilient pipeline of controls talent. Your leadership will directly impact equipment uptime, process stability, and the plant's ability to meet launch milestones and production targets.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead the development, integration, and commissioning of controls systems for Body Shop equipment.
  • Oversee PLC programming, HMI development, and network configuration to support launch readiness.
  • Ensure controls systems meet GM specifications and support robust manufacturing processes.
  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation and controls issues.
  • Support build events, equipment runoff, and early-stage production to ensure system stability.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to resolve downtime and improve reliability.
  • Interface with equipment suppliers to validate controls architecture and support installation.
  • Coordinate with manufacturing, tooling, and quality teams to ensure seamless system integration.
  • Support supplier readiness and travel as needed for equipment validation and issue resolution.
  • Ensure controls documentation, schematics, and software backups are complete and up to date.
  • Enforce GM controls standards and safety protocols across all systems and installations.
  • Lead and mentor departmental controls engineers and Tech 5 team members.
  • Support training and development of junior engineers through hands-on guidance and technical coaching.
  • Drive a culture of proactive problem solving and continuous improvement.
  • Prepare controls readiness reports and present technical updates to plant leadership.
  • Communicate effectively across departments to support strategic decision-making and launch success.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or industrial automation.
  • Prior experience in a launch environment or leading controls projects
  • Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI development, and industrial networking.
  • Strong understanding of robotics integration, safety systems, and manufacturing automation.
  • Experience with troubleshooting and optimizing controls systems in a high-volume environment.
  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive cross-functional collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience launching new vehicle programs or major automation systems.
  • Familiarity with GM controls standards and Body Shop automation architecture.
  • Expertise in industrial safety systems and compliance protocols.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor technical talent and build high-performing teams.
  • Comfort with controls documentation, backups, and system audits.
  • Experience managing suppliers and coordinating complex installations.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to influence across departments.
  • Skilled in root cause analysis and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).
  • Commitment to quality, uptime, and process optimization.

About GM

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Client-provided location(s): Lake Orion, MI
Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202515040
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Posted: 2025-08-22T00:15:20

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Adoption Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Casual Dress
    • Happy Hours
    • On-Site Cafeteria
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Stock Purchase Program
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Learning and Development Stipend
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Woman founded/led
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

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