Controls Engineer | St. Johns, MI

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

Are you a seasoned 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 community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in St. Johns seeking Controls 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 St. Johns region seeking Controls 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 test control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots for automated production lines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and control system issues.
• Implement and maintain industrial networks and data acquisition systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new product introductions and process improvements.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for control system changes.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and production personnel.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000 preferred) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, robotics, vision systems, and motion control.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with safety standards and regulations in industrial automation.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Proficiency in a high-level programming language (e.g., Python, C#, Java) for data analysis or custom tool development.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity best practices and standards (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443).
• Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for quality control or guidance applications.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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