Controls Engineer | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $85,000 - $130,000 depending on experience

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

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Plainwell that are seeking skilled Controls Engineers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and implements control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues with existing control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Develops and maintains detailed electrical schematics, control narratives, and other technical documentation.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate control systems with mechanical and software components.
• Specifies, selects, and configures control hardware and software components.
• Conducts testing, validation, and commissioning of new and modified control systems.
• Provides technical support and training to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Implements and adheres to safety standards and best practices in control system design and operation.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience designing, implementing, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens).
• Proven ability to develop HMI/SCADA applications for industrial automation.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Experience with robotic systems and vision systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, SCADA Engineer, Industrial Control Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Process Control Engineer, Instrument and Controls Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network 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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

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 at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network 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.