Automation Engineer | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $85,000 - $130,000 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 Portage 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 are collaborating with multiple companies in Portage seeking experienced Automation Engineers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify automation opportunities and define project requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for automation systems and processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis of automation-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical support and training to manufacturing personnel on automation technologies.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in automation and robotics.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years experience in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Demonstrated experience with industrial robotics (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB) and vision systems.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex automation systems.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) integration.
• Familiarity with ISA-95 or similar industrial control system standards.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize existing automation systems.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data collection and analysis.
• Experience with vision systems and robotics in a manufacturing 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, PLC Programmer, SCADA Engineer, DCS Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Robotics Programmer, Automation Developer, Automation Architect, AI Automation Engineer, Machine Learning Automation 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.