Automation Engineer | Manistee, MI

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

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for designing systems that improve efficiency and reduce manual processes? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Manistee seeking Automation Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Manistee region seeking Automation 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 deploy automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems and equipment.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for automation systems and processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation-related issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry regulations for automated systems.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience designing, developing, and deploying automation solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and industrial control systems.
• Demonstrated experience with robotics (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots) and vision systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Experience with SCADA and HMI development for process visualization and control.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for quality inspection and guidance.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R) for process optimization.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems (ICS).
• Project management experience, including the ability to lead small to medium-sized automation initiatives.
• PLC programming certification (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Automation Specialist, Automation Technician, Automation Lead, Automation Architect

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.