Automation Engineer - St. Johns Area

Job Description

Job Description

Automation Engineer | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $82,000 - $127,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for designing systems that improve efficiency and reduce manual processes? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in St. Johns seeking experienced Automation Engineers.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across St. Johns 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 implement automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Program and configure PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial robots.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system failures and performance issues.
• Conduct FAT/SAT, commissioning, and validation of new automation equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and improve production efficiency.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including electrical schematics and control narratives.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics, vision systems, or advanced motion control.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols and data acquisition systems.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex automation and control systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics programming and integration (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB).
• Proficiency in machine vision system setup and programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) integration or data historians (e.g., OSI PI).
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts and communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Automation Engineer, Software Automation Engineer, Test Automation Engineer, SDET, DevOps Engineer, CI/CD Engineer, Automation Specialist, RPA Developer

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.