REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or industrial automation.
• Prior experience in a launch environment or leading controls projects
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI development, and industrial networking.
• Strong understanding of robotics integration, safety systems, and manufacturing automation.
• Experience with troubleshooting and optimizing controls systems in a high-volume environment.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive cross-functional collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience launching new vehicle programs or major automation systems.
• Familiarity with GM controls standards and Body Shop automation architecture.
• Expertise in industrial safety systems and compliance protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor technical talent and build high-performing teams.
• Comfort with controls documentation, backups, and system audits.
• Experience managing suppliers and coordinating complex installations.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence across departments.
• Skilled in root cause analysis and Practical Problem Solving (PPS).
• Commitment to quality, uptime, and process optimization.
  

THE ROLE:

As a Lead Controls Engineer at Orion Assembly, you will serve as the technical leader for automation and controls systems supporting the launch and production of the T1XX-X program. You will oversee the integration, validation, and optimization of controls architecture across Body Shop operations, ensuring compliance with GM standards and seamless system performance.
This role is critical to both launch execution and long-term system reliability. You will work closely with departmental controls engineers and mentor Tech 5 engineers, fostering technical growth and building a resilient pipeline of controls talent. Your leadership will directly impact equipment uptime, process stability, and the plant’s ability to meet launch milestones and production targets.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the development, integration, and commissioning of controls systems for Body Shop equipment.
• Oversee PLC programming, HMI development, and network configuration to support launch readiness.
• Ensure controls systems meet GM specifications and support robust manufacturing processes.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation and controls issues.
• Support build events, equipment runoff, and early-stage production to ensure system stability.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to resolve downtime and improve reliability.
• Interface with equipment suppliers to validate controls architecture and support installation.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, tooling, and quality teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Support supplier readiness and travel as needed for equipment validation and issue resolution.
• Ensure controls documentation, schematics, and software backups are complete and up to date.
• Enforce GM controls standards and safety protocols across all systems and installations.
• Lead and mentor departmental controls engineers and Tech 5 team members.
• Support training and development of junior engineers through hands-on guidance and technical coaching.
• Drive a culture of proactive problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Prepare controls readiness reports and present technical updates to plant leadership.
• Communicate effectively across departments to support strategic decision-making and launch success.