Controls Engineer | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $85,000 - $130,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Controls Engineers to drive results.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across East Lansing seeking Controls Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex issues with automation systems, instrumentation, and electrical controls.
• Commission and start-up new machinery, production lines, and control system upgrades.
• Optimize existing control systems for improved efficiency, reliability, and throughput.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel on automation systems.
• Ensure all control system designs and implementations comply with industry standards and safety regulations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Extensive experience with PLC programming (Rockwell Automation preferred) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Proficiency in industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Proven ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot automated control systems and electrical panels.
• Strong understanding of process instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial safety standards.
• Experience with robotics, vision systems, or motion control applications.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB)
• Proficiency with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence)
• Familiarity with database integration and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Experience with less common PLC/control platforms (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, B&R)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Process Controls Engineer, PLC Programmer, SCADA Engineer, Controls Systems Engineer, Manufacturing Automation 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.