Job Description

The Automation Controls Engineer is an entry-level role supporting industrial automation and control systems in General Motors manufacturing facilities acrossSoutheast Michigan, Saginaw, Flint, Toledo or Lansing area You will help keep production equipment safe, reliable, and capable by learning how to troubleshoot,maintain, and improvePLCs, HMIs, drives, robotics, and relatedcontrolshardwarein a high-volume plant environment.

This role is part of an excitingAssociate/Entry-Level Automation Controls development programfocused 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 anon-site roleat one or more Southeast Michigan/Toledo or Lansing area manufacturinglocations, andmay requireoff-shift and weekend workbased 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 meetoneof the following:

• Bachelor’s degree inElectrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or closely relatedfield and:

• No prior full-time experiencerequired; co-op, internship, military, or project experience in industrial automationstronglypreferred.

OR

• Associate degreein 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+ yearin an industrial controls/automation environment).

OR

• Completion of anaccredited vocational or technical certificateinindustrial electricity, industrial automation, mechatronics, robotics, or PLC/controls;andtypically~1+ yearsofdirectly 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 theLansing, 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.
  

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

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

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

Accommodations

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