Automation Engineer | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $78,000 - $123,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Plainwell seeking Automation Engineers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Plainwell seeking Automation 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 industrial automation solutions using PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics.
• Program and configure Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems.
• Conduct testing, commissioning, and validation of new automation equipment and control systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex issues with existing automation systems to minimize production downtime.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for automation systems, including schematics, programming logic, and operational procedures.
• Ensure all automation projects and solutions comply with safety standards, quality requirements, and industry regulations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, sensors, actuators, and robotics.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for inspection and guidance.
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integration.
• Proficiency in data analytics and and reporting tools for OEE and process optimization.
• Knowledge of industrial network protocols beyond basic Ethernet/IP (e.g., PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Automation Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Test Automation Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Automation Specialist, DevOps 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.