Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan on a full-time basis.

The Role

The Controls Engineer will play a key role in launching and sustaining operations within GM's new Battery Cell Development Center (BCDC).

This facility serves as a critical link between GM R&D, product development, and high-volume EV battery manufacturing.

In this role, you will lead controls engineering activities for new and existing manufacturing systems — ensuring successful program launches, smooth integration of new technologies, and long-term operational excellence. You'll collaborate across engineering, IT, process, and supplier teams to develop, validate, and optimize complex control systems that power GM's next generation of electrification programs.

What You'll Do

• Lead procurement, integration, and launch of controls systems for new or major manufacturing programs.
• Partner with equipment suppliers, process teams, and IT to ensure seamless integration of automation, robotics, and control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve deficiencies in manufacturing processes, supporting both launch and ongoing operations.
• Stay current with and evaluate emerging controls technologies — including robotics, HMI, CNC, and PLC systems.
• Assess manufacturing processes for optimization and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement Manufacturing Engineering (ME) error-proofing and risk mitigation plans.
• Participate in safety reviews and compliance activities (g-Risk and g-Comply).
• Review and approve controls system designs, drawings, and logic; conduct dry runs and run-offs at OEM and supplier sites.
• Support deployment of standardized controls systems and methods per the PT Global Controls Bill of Process (BOP) and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Lead system acceptance testing, commissioning, and validation for new equipment.
• Ensure appropriate use of electronic tools for configuration, troubleshooting, and auditing during launch and operation.
• Lead resolution of operational issues related to control systems and automation equipment.
• Drive documentation of lessons learned to improve future program execution.
• Champion deployment of GM Manufacturing Cybersecurity standards during system integration.
• Support plant performance metrics across Safety, People, Quality, Responsiveness, Cost, and Environment (SPQRCE) pillars.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Minimum 5 years of experience in vehicle, powertrain, or battery manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
• Strong proficiency with Siemens TIA Portal programming and applications.
• Working knowledge of Cisco switch hardware, network integration, and industrial communication protocols (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, etc.).
• Familiarity with GM controls standards (GCCH, GCCS, GCCB, PFCN/IECN, Plant Floor).
• Demonstrated technical knowledge in process engineering disciplines.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to support cross-functional collaboration.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent experience.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience in battery cell development or manufacturing.
• Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP, CCSP).
• Working-level understanding of information and manufacturing cybersecurity principles.
• Experience with Fanuc Robot Programming, CNC systems, and vision systems (Cognex, Matrox).
• Familiarity with GM's Global Common Controls Architecture (GCCA).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through launch readiness and commissioning activities.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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.)

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

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.