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, and SCADA systems.
• Program and configure control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotic applications.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex issues with automated machinery and control systems.
• Optimize existing automation processes to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and calibration of automation hardware and software components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies and system upgrades.
• Ensure all automation designs and implementations adhere to safety standards and industry regulations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Allen-Bradley).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA system design, development, and implementation.
• Solid understanding and hands-on experience with industrial robotics programming and integration.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Ability to read, interpret, and design electrical control schematics and P&IDs.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex automation systems.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial data historians (e.g., OSIsoft PI) and SQL databases.
• Proficiency in high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, C#) for data analysis or custom application development.
• Familiarity with industrial network protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET) and OT cybersecurity principles.
• Practical experience with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) or advanced robotics programming.
• Certification or practical experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Automation Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Automation Systems 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.