Controls Engineer | Allendale, MI

Salary Range: $82,000 - $127,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Allendale seeking experienced Controls Engineers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Allendale 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 program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Install, test, commission, and troubleshoot new and existing control systems and automation equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical, software, and mechanical issues in production machinery.
• Optimize manufacturing processes through automation, improving efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including schematics, programs, and user manuals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on automation projects from concept to completion.
• Ensure control systems comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

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 networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, commission, and optimize automated manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with electrical control panel design, schematics, and relevant safety standards.
• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, KUKA) or advanced motion control systems.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics programming and integration (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, Universal Robots).
• Proficiency with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for inspection or guidance.
• Experience with data acquisition and database integration from PLCs (e.g., SQL, Historian).
• Familiarity with high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, C#) for custom applications or data analysis.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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