Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer – Automotive Automation

Location: Whitmore Lake, MI

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Employment Type: Contract

Pay Rate: Up to $50/hour W2 or $55/hour C2C

Travel: 40–50%

Experience: 5–12 years preferred

Position Overview

Cullerton Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support industrial automation and manufacturing equipment for a leading custom automation and robotic systems integrator.

This position requires hands-on experience developing, programming, integrating, and commissioning industrial controls systems within Ford and/or General Motors automotive manufacturing environments.

We are particularly interested in engineers familiar with Ford FAST standards, including Ford Powertrain applications, and ABB robotic integration. Candidates with GM controls experience and GCCS certification are also highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will have 5–12 years of automotive controls experience and the ability to develop and troubleshoot automation systems while following customer-specific controls standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems for automotive manufacturing applications.
• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI interfaces, and equipment control sequences.
• Apply Ford FAST and/or GM GCCS controls standards to automated manufacturing equipment.
• Support Ford Powertrain automation applications and applicable FAST requirements.
• Integrate ABB robotic systems with PLC-based controls and manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and troubleshoot robot-to-PLC communication, I/O interfaces, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Support equipment commissioning, debugging, startup, and production launches.
• Review electrical schematics, controls specifications, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot automation faults and optimize equipment performance.
• Collaborate with robotics, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Ensure controls systems meet applicable automotive manufacturing standards.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on industrial controls engineering experience, preferably within Ford or GM automotive manufacturing.
• Strong PLC programming, development, and troubleshooting experience.
• Direct experience with Ford FAST or GM GCCS controls standards.
• Ability to independently develop, modify, debug, and commission PLC programs.
• Experience integrating PLC controls with robotic or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of electrical controls, I/O, industrial communication, and automation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Experience supporting equipment startup, commissioning, and production launches.
• Ability to work onsite in Whitmore Lake, MI, and travel approximately 40–50%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ford FAST controls programming and commissioning experience (highest priority).
• Ford Powertrain manufacturing automation experience.
• ABB robotics and robot-to-PLC integration.
• GM GCCS programming experience and certification.
• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLCs.
• Studio 5000 and HMI programming.
• Industrial networking and safety systems.
• Automated assembly and powertrain manufacturing applications.
• Experience developing controls programs from scratch.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Controls Engineer with strong automotive manufacturing experience and demonstrated expertise in PLC programming, robotic integration, and equipment commissioning.

Candidates with Ford FAST and ABB robotics integration experience will receive priority consideration. Engineers with direct GM GCCS programming experience are also encouraged to apply.

We are seeking an independent, technically capable engineer who can develop controls programs, troubleshoot complex automation systems, and support successful equipment launches.

Apply Today

If you have hands-on experience with Ford FAST, ABB robotics, or GM GCCS controls systems, we encourage you to apply and learn more about this contract opportunity.