Automation Engineer - St. Johns Area

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 industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA.
• Program and configure PLCs, industrial robots, and vision systems for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation system failures and performance issues.
• Optimize existing automation processes for improved efficiency, reliability, and throughput.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to ensure seamless integration and support of automation solutions.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for automation systems and procedures.
• Ensure all automation solutions comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Experience with industrial robotics integration and programming (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA).
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex automated manufacturing systems.
• Familiarity with industrial vision systems and sensor technology for quality control and process automation.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integration.
• Proficiency in programming and deploying industrial vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Demonstrated experience with data analytics platforms (e.g., Python, SQL) for operational data.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Automation Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Test Automation Engineer, RPA Developer, Automation Specialist, Control Systems 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.