Controls Engineer | Spring Lake, MI

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

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Spring Lake seeking experienced Controls Engineers to drive results.

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 partner with manufacturers across Spring Lake seeking Controls Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement control systems for automated manufacturing processes.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and motion control systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define control system requirements and specifications.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for control system failures.
• Optimize existing control systems for improved efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance personnel.
• Stay current with emerging control technologies and industry best practices.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting industrial control systems (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, robotics).
• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens) and developing HMI applications.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus).
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, and actuators used in manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and other engineering documentation.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SQL databases and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R) for extracting and interpreting production data.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES) for integrating control systems with business operations.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices in an industrial control system (ICS) environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical projects from conception to completion.
• Experience with vision systems and robotics integration in automated manufacturing processes.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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