Automation Engineer | Charlotte, MI

Salary Range: $84,000 - $129,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented 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 dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Charlotte seeking experienced Automation 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 partner with manufacturers across Charlotte seeking Automation 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

• Design, develop, and deploy automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and define project requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for automation systems, including schematics, software code, and operational procedures.
• Conduct root cause analysis of automation failures and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical support and training to production staff on automation equipment and software.
• Research and evaluate new automation technologies to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, control systems, or robotics within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation), HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Demonstrated experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus).
• Strong understanding of sensor technologies, vision systems, and motion control.
• Experience with robotic programming and integration (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB).

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for quality inspection or robotic guidance.
• Familiarity with data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R) for process optimization and reporting.
• PLC programming experience with less common but industry-relevant platforms (e.g., Beckhoff TwinCAT, B&R Automation Studio).
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration (e.g., Universal Robots, KUKA, FANUC).
• Cybersecurity awareness in an industrial control system (ICS) environment.

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, Robotics Process Automation Engineer, RPA Developer, Intelligent Automation Engineer, Automation Consultant

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.