Controls Engineer - Traverse City Area

Controls Engineer | Traverse City, MI

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

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Traverse City seeking Controls Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Traverse City region seeking Controls Engineers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and maintain PLC and HMI/SCADA systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Design and implement control system architectures, including electrical schematics and network configurations.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex electrical, software, and automation failures on production lines.
• Commission new machinery and control systems, ensuring proper functionality and integration.
• Optimize existing control processes for improved efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Create and update comprehensive control system documentation, including P&IDs and functional specifications.

Recommended Qualifications

• Extensive experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Proficiency in designing and developing HMI/SCADA applications (e.g., FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Experience with robotics, servo motion control, or VFD programming and integration.
• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical control schematics.
• Demonstrated experience in commissioning, startup, and optimization of manufacturing equipment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB).
• Proficiency in configuring and integrating machine vision systems.
• Experience with SCADA, MES, or data historian systems (e.g., Ignition, FactoryTalk Historian).
• Familiarity with industrial network design principles and cybersecurity best practices.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Controls Engineer, PLC Engineer, SCADA Engineer, Robotics Controls Engineer, Controls Systems Engineer, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Automation & Controls Engineer, Senior 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.