Controls Engineer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $83,000 - $128,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Rockford, seeking experienced Controls Engineers to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in Rockford seeking experienced Controls Engineers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for manufacturing equipment.
• Design and implement Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and SCADA systems for operational control.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical, control, and automation system failures.
• Design, integrate, and commission new automation systems and equipment into production lines.
• Optimize existing control systems to improve process efficiency, reliability, and product quality.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, control narratives, and software documentation.
• Ensure all control systems comply with industry safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, and sensor technologies.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and diagnostic skills for complex automation equipment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robot programming (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB).
• Proficiency in SQL for data acquisition and reporting from industrial systems.
• Familiarity with vision systems and their integration into automated processes.
• Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) or advanced SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, Siemens WinCC).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, PLC Programmer, SCADA Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Process Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.