Controls Engineer | St. Johns, MI

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

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in St. Johns, seeking experienced Controls Engineers to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in St. Johns that are adding Controls Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and control system malfunctions to minimize downtime.
• Develop and implement control system improvements to enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Create and maintain detailed electrical schematics, control documentation, and software backups.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams on automation projects and support.
• Ensure all control systems comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
• Specify, procure, and integrate new automation hardware and software components.

Recommended Qualifications

• Expertise in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal) and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in HMI/SCADA system design, development, and integration.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET).
• Ability to design, implement, and debug electrical control panels and schematics.
• Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g., FANUC, KUKA) or advanced motion control systems.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics programming (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA, ABB).
• Knowledge of industrial network architecture and cybersecurity best practices.
• Proficiency in vision system integration (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Experience with database integration and historian systems (e.g., SQL, OSI PI).
• Scripting or high-level programming skills (e.g., Python, C#) for data analysis or custom applications.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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