Controls Engineer - St. Johns Area

Controls Engineer | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $79,000 - $124,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in St. Johns, seeking experienced Controls Engineers to strengthen their teams.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in St. Johns that are adding Controls Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement PLC and HMI solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex control system failures and performance issues.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, and programming standards.
• Lead the integration, testing, and commissioning of new automation equipment and system upgrades.
• Ensure control systems comply with safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ANSI) and company policies.
• Optimize existing control systems to improve production efficiency, quality, and uptime.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and production teams on automation systems.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal) and troubleshooting.
• Experience in designing and developing HMI/SCADA applications (e.g., FactoryTalk View, Wonderware, Ignition).
• Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control panel wiring.
• Knowledge of industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA, ABB) and/or motion control systems.
• Experience with sensor integration, instrumentation, and motor control (VFDs, servo drives).

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics programming and integration (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB).
• Proficiency with SCADA/MES integration and data historization (e.g., SQL databases).
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience with vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for inspection or guidance.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Controls Engineer, Process Controls Engineer, PLC Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

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.