Controls Engineer | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $79,000 - $124,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Traverse City seeking Controls Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Traverse City region seeking Controls Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming for automated manufacturing systems.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex electrical and control system issues to minimize production downtime.
• Optimize existing control systems and processes to improve efficiency, reliability, and product quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning.
• Ensure all control system designs and modifications comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for control system architecture, programs, and electrical schematics.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation hardware, and instrumentation.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and P&ID diagrams.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving complex automation system issues.
• Familiarity with industrial safety standards and their application in machinery.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with specific robotics platforms (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB).
• Proficiency in industrial data analytics, historian systems, or MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (e.g., Profibus, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA) and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience with vision systems for quality control or guidance applications.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.