Controls Engineer - East Lansing Area

Controls Engineer | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $85,000 - $130,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Controls Engineers to drive results.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across East Lansing 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

• Design, develop, and program PLC and HMI/SCADA systems for manufacturing processes.
• Integrate and program robotic systems, vision systems, and other automation equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical, software, and control system issues on the production floor.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system documentation.
• Commission new equipment and control systems, ensuring proper functionality and performance.
• Implement and validate safety control systems in compliance with industry standards.
• Optimize existing control systems for improved efficiency, reliability, and throughput.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet) and communication standards.
• Experience with servo/motion control systems and/or industrial robotics programming.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex automation system issues.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Robotics programming experience (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB).
• Experience with industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Proficiency with database integration (e.g., SQL, OSI PI Historian).
• Experience with high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, C#) for data analysis or custom applications.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, SCADA Engineer, DCS Engineer, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, Process Control 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.