Robot Controls Engineer

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 Robot Controls Engineer at Orion Assembly, you will serve as the technical lead for robotic systems supporting the launch and production of the T1XX-X program. Your primary focus will be on Fanuc robot programming, optimization, and troubleshooting, with responsibility for guiding a small team of contract robot programmers across all three shifts.

This role is essential to ensuring robotic systems are integrated, validated, and performing to GM standards. You will work closely with controls engineers, maintenance, and manufacturing teams to support launch readiness and long-term system reliability. Your leadership will directly impact cycle time, uptime, and process stability, while also building a strong foundation of robotic expertise within the plant.

What You'll Do:

• Lead Fanuc robot programming, validation, and optimization for Body Shop operations.
• Support equipment runoff, build events, and early-stage production to ensure robotic systems meet launch targets.
• Collaborate with tooling and controls teams to align robot paths, weld schedules, and process parameters.
• Guide and coordinate a team of contract robot programmers across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts.
• Ensure consistent programming standards, documentation, and troubleshooting practices across shifts.
• Provide hands-on support and mentorship to contract resources and junior engineers.
• Diagnose and resolve robot-related issues, including path deviations, cycle time delays, and integration faults.
• Work with maintenance and controls teams to improve system reliability and reduce downtime.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for robot-related quality issues.
• Interface with equipment suppliers and integrators to validate robotic systems and support installation.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to ensure seamless robotic integration.
• Travel as needed to supplier sites for training, equipment validation, and launch support.
• Ensure robot programming documentation, backups, and system maps are complete and up to date.
• Enforce GM robotic standards and safety protocols across all installations and operations.
• Prepare robot system readiness reports and present technical updates to plant leadership.
• Communicate effectively across departments to support strategic decision-making and launch success.

• Bachelor's degree in robotics engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or robotic systems integration.
• Proficiency in Fanuc robot programming, including path teaching, I/O configuration, and weld schedule integration.
• Strong understanding of robotic safety systems, cycle time optimization, and fault recovery.
• Experience troubleshooting and improving robotic systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and coordinate across multiple shifts.

• Deep experience with Fanuc robots in Body Shop applications (welding, handling, sealing).
• Familiarity with GM robotic standards and integration protocols.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-shift programming teams and improving robotic performance.
• Comfort with robot backups, documentation, and system audits.
• Experience working with equipment suppliers and integrators during launch phases.
• Experience mentoring contract programmers and junior engineers.
• 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.
• Prior experience in a launch environment or leading robot programming teams