Automation Controls Engineer- Entry Level
General Motors Ventures
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
Assist in 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.
Assist in improving fault messages, operator prompts, and diagnostics to help reduce downtime and improve usability.
Electrical & Controls Systems Knowledge
Develop a working knowledge of the GM Common Controls Architecture, including PLCs, HMIs, drive controllers, industrial robotics, machine vision, and communications networks.
Learn how to read, interpret, and modify electrical 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.
Assist in maintaining accurate as‑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
Assist with data collection and basic analysis related to downtime, faults, and scrap to identify improvement 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), Monitored Power 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 automation strongly preferred.
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 of directly related industrial experience (maintenance, controls, systems integration, or similar) demonstrating equivalent 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 be determined by 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.)
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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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