The Role
The Controls Engineer will be responsible for automation project execution and plant floor production support, focusing on machine controls, vision systems, laser marking, and robotics. This position requires a high degree of creativity, initiative, and independent judgment within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Note: This position requires the ability to work rotating shifts when required. The engineer will provide plant-floor technical support during these shifts, ensuring smooth production, addressing equipment downtime, and coordinating with day-shift engineering and maintenance teams for follow-up actions.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities)
- Design, develop, and troubleshoot electrical control systems.
- Lead design, integration, installation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and tools.
- Provide hands-on plant floor support for automation, controls, and production systems during B & C shifts.
- Respond to machine faults and downtime issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain and update controls-related documentation and electrical schematics.
- Support equipment build, runoff, and buyoff processes.
- Provide technical direction and oversight to external vendors and system integrators.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of standardized control architectures across the plant.
- Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve uptime and efficiency.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
- Minimum of 3+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of Allen-Bradley control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and Ethernet/IP networks.
- Experience with Fanuc CNC, Siemens Step 7, and Siemens 840D systems.
- Knowledge of servo motors, motion control, vision systems, and drives.
- Ability to design and troubleshoot electrical control systems.
- Understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or Eplan ability to read and update electrical prints.
- Proven ability to manage complex technical projects with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated understanding of plant-floor operations and maintenance support requirements.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to work any shift and provide off-shift coverage as needed.
- Assignment location: GMCH LLC – Grand Rapids, MI
What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
- Experience with Cognex and Keyence vision systems.
- Familiarity with laser marking and high-power laser welding systems.
- Knowledge of Fanuc robot programming and robotic cell integration.
- Visual Basic or similar programming experience.
- Prior automotive manufacturing experience as a Controls Engineer.
- Experience specifying and integrating PLC/HMI systems with vision and robotics.
- Familiarity with GM Global Controls Architecture (GCA) standards.
- Strong administrative, organizational, and project management skills.
