Manufacturing Controls Architect

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 people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

The Manufacturing Controls Architect within the Robotics Technology Development team is a senior technical leader responsible for defining, governing, and advancing the controls architecture that underpins next-generation robotic and automation systems across GM manufacturing. This role combines deep, hands-on controls engineering expertise with forward-looking architectural vision, creating a cohesive roadmap that connects today’s production needs with tomorrow’s capabilities.

The successful candidate will leverage extensive knowledge of current controls technologies (PLC/robot controllers, safety systems, networks, standards, and tooling) to stabilize and optimize existing platforms, while architecting and piloting next-generation controls capabilities that improve scalability, reliability, diagnosability, and integration with enterprise systems and advanced automation.

What You’ll Do

Architecture & Roadmapping

• Own and evolve the controls architecture strategy for robotics and automation within RTD, aligning with GM manufacturing, IT/OT, and cybersecurity standards.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year roadmap for next-generation controls capabilities (e.g., modular/plug-and-play architectures, standardized function blocks, model-based controls, digital-twin connectivity, advanced diagnostics, data integration).
• Define reference architectures and patterns for robotic cells, material handling, flexible automation, and new technology platforms (e.g. advanced robotics, agile manufacturing systems).
• Translate high-level manufacturing objectives (safety, quality, throughput, flexibility, maintainability) into concrete controls architecture requirements and design guidelines.

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the primary technical authority for controls architecture decisions within Robotics Technology Development.
• Establish and steward standards, best practices, and design rules for controls hardware, software, safety, networking, and integration across RTD projects.
• Provide design reviews, technical mentorship, and approval for critical controls architecture decisions on strategic programs and pilots.
• Evaluate and select platforms, tools, and vendors (PLCs, safety controllers, communication protocols, industrial PCs, edge devices, data collection frameworks) in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Next-Generation Controls Capabilities

• Lead the exploration, prototyping, and industrialization of next-gen controls solutions, including but not limited to:
  • Advanced motion and robotic control strategies
  • Virtual or Soft PLC solutions
  • Integrated safety and functional safety architectures
  • Distributed/edge controls and unified cell controllers
  • Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA, TSN, etc.) and data pipelines for analytics and AI
  • Model-based design, simulation, and digital twin integration
  • Standardized software libraries, templates, and reusable function blocks
• Partner with robotics, software, and manufacturing teams to integrate new capabilities into pilot cells and production-representative systems, ensuring they are maintainable and supportable by plant organizations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with robotics, mechanical, software, IT/OT, cybersecurity, manufacturing engineering, and plant operations teams to ensure the controls architecture is cohesive, secure, and aligned with enterprise direction.
• Act as a key liaison between R&D, production engineering, and operations, ensuring that new controls capabilities are designed with lifecycle support, diagnostics, and maintainability in mind.
• Support technology transfer from RTD into production programs, including documentation, training, and rollout strategies for controls standards and solutions.

Coaching & Mentorship

• Provide technical mentorship to controls engineers and developers within the Robotics Technology Development team.
• Help shape team skill development plans in areas such as advanced controls, robotics integration, networks, and s