Advanced Controls Engineer – Robotics Technology Development

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

The Advanced Controls Engineer within the Robotics Technology Development (RTD) group in the Autonomous Robotics Center (ARC) is a senior individual contributor responsible for architecting, delivering, and scaling advanced controls solutions for next‑generation robotic and automation systems across GM manufacturing.

You will combine deep, hands-on controls expertise (PLCs, safety, robotics, networks) with system‑level thinking to design and industrialize fenceless and collaborative automation, high‑performance robotic cells, and standardized controls platforms that can be reused across multiple manufacturing verticals (kitting/sequencing, lift assist, fastening, inspection, material movement). As an advanced controls engineer, you will own significant technical workstreams end‑to‑end, exercise independent judgment on complex topics, and provide technical direction and mentorship to other engineers and partners.

You will work closely with R&D, ARC, and Manufacturing Engineering to advance solutions from lab prototypes through pilot-line readiness (MRL 4–6), ensuring that controls architectures, safety strategies, and standards are robust, maintainable, and ready for handoff to production programs.

What You’ll Do

Advanced Controls Design & Integration

• Lead the design, implementation, and commissioning of controls solutions for robotic cells and automation projects within RTD, following GM controls standards and Global Common Controls Hardware/Software (GCCH/S).

• Develop and maintain PLC, safety PLC, HMI, and related control logic, including standardized function blocks, diagnostics, and fault‑handling approaches aligned to GCCS and RTD best practices.

• Architect and integrate industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, UR) with PLCs, safety systems, and field devices for applications such as assembly, material handling, fastening, inspection, and lift assist, meeting safety, throughput, and quality targets.

• Design and validate fenceless / collaborative controls strategies (safety zones, safe speed/position, speed & separation monitoring, power & force limiting) in alignment with applicable standards and GM practices.

Safety, Standards, and Architecture

• Apply GM safety standards and risk‑assessment processes to define and validate safety functions, interlocks, and safety device integration (light curtains, scanners, E‑Stops, enabling devices, safety relays/PLCs).

• Contribute to and help steward controls architecture patterns and standards for RTD (hardware templates, network architectures, software libraries, standardized sequences), ensuring they are practical for deployment across plants and suppliers.

• Drive standardization and reuse of controls building blocks (templates, reusable code, test cases, documentation) that can be leveraged across ARC verticals and programs.

Program Execution & Technology Development

• Own controls workstreams for development cells, pilot systems, and advanced technology projects, from concept and requirements through integration, debug, and pilot-line buyoff (MRL 4–6).

• Partner with robotics, perception, and software teams to integrate advanced control algorithms, motion planning, vision, and sensing into production‑representative systems, ensuring they are maintainable by plant organizations.

• Use simulation, emulation, and virtual commissioning as appropriate (e.g., vPLC, robot simulation, digital twins) to front‑load debug, validate sequences and safety behavior, and reduce onsite commissioning time.

• Support system bring‑up, debug, and optimization at the Global Technical Center and, when required, at manufacturing sites; provide expert support during trials, pilots, and early production runs.

Collaboration, Influence, and Mentorship

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, plant teams, IT/OT, and suppliers to align controls designs with plant standards, cyber requirements, and lifecycle support needs.

• Provide technical direction and coaching to controls engineers, robotics engineers, and supplier teams on RTD standards, safety practices, and advanced controls techniques.

• Capture and communicate lessons learned, best practices, and design guidance through documentation, design reviews, and internal forums, contributing to ARC/RTD technical roadmaps and standards evolution.

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., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

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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