GCCS‑2 Automotive Controls Software Engineer (PLC/HMI)

Job Description

Job Description

Shape next‑gen manufacturing with Valknut Inc in Wixom, MI

Picture your morning: you walk onto the floor in our Wixom facility and open a fresh Studio 5000 project for an automated test stand destined for a GM program. By lunch, you’re validating interlocks against GCCS‑2, reviewing I/O with electrical, and aligning robot handshakes. In the afternoon, you’re on a customer runoff—tuning sequences, updating HMI diagnostics, and closing the loop with mechanical on a last‑minute sensor change. That’s a day on Valknut’s Controls Engineering team.

What you’ll own

• Create PLC control logic for custom automated machinery, test stands, and balancing systems.
• Build, verify, and release controls software that conforms to GM Global Common Controls Software (GCCS/GCCS‑2) and other automotive OEM standards.
• Translate electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings into robust control strategies and sequences.
• Configure and troubleshoot Allen‑Bradley (Rockwell) and/or Siemens PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Debug, test, and commission PLC/HMI code both in‑house and on‑site for new builds and retrofits.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and fellow controls engineers from concept through build, runoff, and shipment.
• Support FAT and SAT, including customer runoffs at Valknut and at customer plants.
• Author and maintain I/O lists, backups, functional descriptions, and revision histories.
• Diagnose and resolve controls issues during startup, commissioning, and warranty—traveling to customer sites as needed.
• Apply and uphold applicable safety standards (NFPA 79; RIA/ANSI robotic safety) alongside customer engineering specs.

What you bring

• Current GCCS (Global Common Controls Software / GCCS‑2) certification.
• AS/BS in Electrical or Controls Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent hands‑on background.
• 3–5+ years of direct PLC programming in industrial automation, automotive tooling, or machine building.
• Fluency in Rockwell RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000 and/or Siemens TIA Portal.
• HMI development experience (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, or similar).
• Working knowledge of EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, DeviceNet, and familiarity with robot integration (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to read electrical prints and troubleshoot to the component level.
• Clear, professional communication and direct customer interaction during runoff and commissioning.
• Domestic travel—and occasional international trips—for commissioning and startups.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Proficiencies we value

• PLC troubleshooting expertise
• Equipment diagnostics and recovery
• General troubleshooting mindset
• Hands‑on PLC programming background
• Panel/PLC wiring familiarity
• Control engineering fundamentals

Tools & technologies

• Programmable Logic Controllers (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens)