Controls Engineer
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plantembedded, handson engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during offshift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plantembedded, handson engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during offshift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plantembedded, handson engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during offshift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
Lansing, MI · On-site
$76K - $98K/yr
Controls Engineer Who we are... We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We ...
Lansing, MI · On-site
$76K - $98K/yr
Controls Engineer Who we are... We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We ...
Warren, MI · On-site
$78K - $101K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER, WARREN, MI RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for a candidate to provide Controls Engineering on-site at the Client Engineering Facility in Warren, Michigan * You will be working on ...
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Warren, MI · On-site
$78K - $101K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER, WARREN, MI RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for a candidate to provide Controls Engineering on-site at the Client Engineering Facility in Warren, Michigan * You will be working on ...
Shelby Township, MI · On-site
$78K - $101K/yr
The Controls Engineer will initially support active projects and then transition to completing projects directly. They will take the lead on developing software on new projects and debug software on ...
Shelby Township, MI · On-site
$78K - $101K/yr
The Controls Engineer will initially support active projects and then transition to completing projects directly. They will take the lead on developing software on new projects and debug software on ...
Plymouth, MI · On-site
$79K - $102K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER, FOAM BUSINESS UNIT Looking for an experienced controls engineer who will be responsible for leading the development and support of equipment used for polyurethane foam ...
Plymouth, MI · On-site
$79K - $102K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER, FOAM BUSINESS UNIT Looking for an experienced controls engineer who will be responsible for leading the development and support of equipment used for polyurethane foam ...
Plymouth, MI · On-site
$79K - $102K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER, FOAM BUSINESS UNIT Looking for an experienced controls engineer who will be responsible for leading the development and support of equipment used for polyurethane foam ...
Plymouth, MI · On-site
$79K - $102K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER, FOAM BUSINESS UNIT Looking for an experienced controls engineer who will be responsible for leading the development and support of equipment used for polyurethane foam ...
Alma, MI · On-site
$72K - $93K/yr
Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within a high-volume automotive ...
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Alma, MI · On-site
$72K - $93K/yr
Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within a high-volume automotive ...
Alma, MI · On-site
$72K - $93K/yr
Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within a high-volume automotive ...
Alma, MI · On-site
$72K - $93K/yr
Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within a high-volume automotive ...
Holland, MI · On-site
$76K - $98K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER Reports To: Engineering Manager Direct Reports: none Compensation: Salary Employment Status: Full time (45 Hours) COMPANY INFO M.W. Watermark is a leader, locally and globally ...
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Holland, MI · On-site
$76K - $98K/yr
CONTROLS ENGINEER Reports To: Engineering Manager Direct Reports: none Compensation: Salary Employment Status: Full time (45 Hours) COMPANY INFO M.W. Watermark is a leader, locally and globally ...
Redford, MI · On-site
$75K - $97K/yr
Overview The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This ...
Redford, MI · On-site
$75K - $97K/yr
Overview The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This ...
$72K - $93K/yr
Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within a high-volume automotive ...
$72K - $93K/yr
Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within a high-volume automotive ...
Lansing, MI · On-site
$76K - $98K/yr
The Role We are seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to support, maintain, and improve manufacturing operations through advanced process controls, automation, and system reliability. This role ...
Lansing, MI · On-site
$76K - $98K/yr
The Role We are seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to support, maintain, and improve manufacturing operations through advanced process controls, automation, and system reliability. This role ...
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plant-embedded, hands-on engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during off-shift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plant-embedded, hands-on engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during off-shift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
$75K - $97K/yr
The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This position ...
$75K - $97K/yr
The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This position ...
Redford, MI · On-site
$75K - $97K/yr
Overview The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This ...
Redford, MI · On-site
$75K - $97K/yr
Overview The Plant Controls Engineer plays a crucial role in maintaining, optimizing, and troubleshooting the control systems essential to production processes within the manufacturing facility. This ...
Flint, MI · On-site
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plant-embedded, hands-on engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during off-shift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
Flint, MI · On-site
$81K - $105K/yr
The Role The Controls Engineer is a plant-embedded, hands-on engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during off-shift hours. This position is often the only controls ...
$78K - $101K/yr
Job Title: Controls Engineer The Controls Engineer develops, programs, and supports industrial control systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on shop-floor ...
Quick apply
$78K - $101K/yr
Job Title: Controls Engineer The Controls Engineer develops, programs, and supports industrial control systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on shop-floor ...
Hastings, MI · On-site
$41.83 - $52.88/hr
Controls & Automation (Confidential) Brief Job Summary The Controls/Automation Engineer provides technical leadership in the design, development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing ...
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Hastings, MI · On-site
$41.83 - $52.88/hr
Controls & Automation (Confidential) Brief Job Summary The Controls/Automation Engineer provides technical leadership in the design, development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing ...
$87K - $110K/yr
Controls & Automation (Confidential) Brief Job Summary The Controls/Automation Engineer provides technical leadership in the design, development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing ...
Quick apply
$87K - $110K/yr
Controls & Automation (Confidential) Brief Job Summary The Controls/Automation Engineer provides technical leadership in the design, development, and implementation of advanced manufacturing ...
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$80K - $103K/yr
Controls Engineer Overview Our skilled trade professionals use their hands-on technical and mechanical abilities to work on a variety of unique equipment for our industry. We are looking for ...
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$80K - $103K/yr
Controls Engineer Overview Our skilled trade professionals use their hands-on technical and mechanical abilities to work on a variety of unique equipment for our industry. We are looking for ...
$47.9K - $54K
1% of jobs
$54K - $60K
3% of jobs
$60K - $66K
6% of jobs
$66K - $72K
12% of jobs
$73K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$72K - $78K
16% of jobs
The median wage is $81.9K / yr.
$78K - $84.1K
18% of jobs
$84.1K - $90.1K
15% of jobs
$91.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$90.1K - $96.1K
13% of jobs
$96.1K - $102.1K
7% of jobs
$102.1K - $108.2K
5% of jobs
$108.2K - $114.2K
3% of jobs
$47.9K
$84.2K
$114.2K
Controls engineers design, develop, and test automated or dynamic systems that are controlled through feedback with sensors or detectors. Examples include automated irrigation systems that can sense moisture levels in soil, or self-driving cars that can navigate congested streets. Controls engineers apply control theory to devices, machines, and processes to attain desired outcomes. They can work on everything from boilers, washing machines, or light switches to complex industrial machinery.
| Aspect | Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) | Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred |
| Work Environment | Manufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settings | Design offices, research labs, power plants, industrial sites |
| Industry Usage | Automation, manufacturing, process control | Power generation, electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems |
| Common Search/Comparison | Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer |
Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, often working closely with machinery and PLCs. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Controls Engineers specialize more in automation and control systems, whereas Electrical Engineers may work across various electrical disciplines.

8.1
Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
5th of 44 rated automakers
Job Description
The Role
The Controls Engineer is a plantembedded, handson engineering role supporting live Paint Shop manufacturing operations during offshift hours. This position is often the only controls engineer on shift and requires strong independent technical judgment to troubleshoot, stabilize, and improve production equipment with limited escalation support.
The role supports a mixed environment of conveyance and processdriven systems, including automotive material handling as well as paint shop process equipment such as ovens, dip tanks, RTOs, sludge systems, and air supply house systems. In addition to offshift production support, the engineer will participate in planned shutdowns, downtimes, and model change activities, supporting project execution, upgrades, and longterm reliability improvements.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities)
Provide handson troubleshooting and support for PLC, drive, and networkbased manufacturing systems during 3rdshift production.
Serve as the primary controls engineering escalation point for Skilled Trades during offshift events.
Diagnose and resolve issues on automotive conveyance systems (e.g., skid, skillet, powerandfree, EMS/VAC).
Support and troubleshoot paint shop process equipment, including ovens, tanks, fans, pumps, RTOs, sludge handling, and air systems.
Troubleshoot and support Rockwell PowerFlex VFDs, motor starters, and related drivecontrolled equipment impacting throughput or process stability.
Diagnose DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP communication issues affecting production systems.
Support, troubleshoot, and modify Siemens HMIs programmed via TIA Portal, including alarm handling, visualization, and operator interface issues.
Support and stabilize PIDcontrolled processes, including temperature, airflow, pressure, and flow loops, in coordination with operations.
Perform rootcause analysis on recurring equipment or process failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
Make sound riskbased decisions during live production regarding intervention, containment, or deferral to dayshift.
Support and execute controls projects during planned shutdowns, downtimes, and model launch activities, including installation support, integration, debug, and validation.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Skilled Trades to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and maintainability.
Maintain and update controls documentation, backups, and standards as required.
Champion safety as the highest priority during all troubleshooting and project activities.
Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)
3+ years of handson experience supporting automated manufacturing systems in an automotive assembly environment.
Advanced ability to program, troubleshoot, and modify Rockwell / AllenBradley ControlLogix or GuardLogix PLCs in a production environment.
Demonstrated handson experience supporting automotive conveyance systems (e.g., skid, skillet, powerandfree, EMS/VAC).
Experience troubleshooting processdriven equipment such as ovens, thermal systems, pumps, fans, or air handling systems.
Strong troubleshooting experience with Rockwell PowerFlex VFDs and motor starters.
Working knowledge of PID control fundamentals and experience stabilizing temperature, airflow, pressure, or flow processes.
Working knowledge of DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP industrial networks and associated diagnostics.
Ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics and controls documentation.
Demonstrated capability to independently resolve complex, ambiguous production and process issues under time pressure.
Must be able to work overtime and weekends, as needed.
What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
3+ years of prior automotive or manufacturing experience, particularly in Paint Shop environments.
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
Experience serving as the primary or sole controls engineer on an offshift.
Experience supporting or commissioning largescale conveyance systems.
Experience supporting or tuning large process systems (ovens, RTOs, thermal or airflowbased equipment).
Working knowledge of GM controls standards (e.g., GCCH1, GCCS2).
Experience with Fanuc robots or robotintegrated systems.
EPLAN experience or certification.
Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, VMT, Liberty Reach, Keyence).
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 1-800-865-7580. 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.
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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.
Transportation equipment manufacturing
10,000+ Employees
Detroit, MI, US
1908