Controls Engineer | East Lansing, MI

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

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Controls Engineers.

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 working with companies in East Lansing 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

• Designs, develops, and implements control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Programs PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots to optimize production efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoots and resolves complex electrical and control system issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to define project requirements and deliver automation solutions.
• Develops and maintains technical documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Implements and adheres to safety standards and regulations in all control system designs and modifications.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, automation, robotics, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, sensors, and other industrial automation components.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills in troubleshooting complex automation issues and optimizing system performance.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

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