Job Description
Job Description
Controls Engineer | Kentwood, MI
Salary Range: $81,000 - $126,000 depending on experience
Are you a dedicated 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 career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Kentwood, seeking experienced Controls Engineers to strengthen their teams.
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 Kentwood 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
- Designs, develops, and tests control systems for manufacturing processes.
- Programs and troubleshoots PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate control systems with new and existing equipment.
- Develops and maintains technical documentation for control systems, including schematics and user manuals.
- Conducts root cause analysis and implements corrective actions for control system failures.
- Provides technical support and training to operations and maintenance personnel.
- Stays current with industry trends and advancements in control technologies.
- Ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations in all control system designs and implementations.
Recommended Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell, etc.) and HMI/SCADA development.
- Strong understanding of industrial control systems, robotics, and automation principles.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems and resolve technical issues.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with Ignition SCADA development
- Familiarity with SQL databases and data analysis tools
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems
- Proficiency in a high-level programming language (e.g., Python, C#) for data acquisition or analysis tasks
Job Titles That Should Apply
Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, SCADA Engineer, Industrial Controls Engineer, Robotics Controls Engineer, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Control Systems 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.
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