Controls Engineer - Plainwell Area

Controls Engineer | Plainwell, MI

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

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for automation, PLC programming, and process control? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Controls Engineers.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in Plainwell 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, develop, and implement industrial control systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA).
• Program and troubleshoot automation equipment, including robotics and vision systems.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, reliability, and quality through control system enhancements.
• Provide expert technical support and root cause analysis for production line issues related to controls.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control documentation, and software backups.
• Ensure all control systems comply with safety standards, industry regulations, and company policies.
• Lead the commissioning and validation of new equipment and process lines.

Recommended Qualifications

• Extensive experience programming and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), primarily Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) or Siemens.
• Proficiency in designing, developing, and deploying Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
• Strong understanding and practical experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP).
• Demonstrated ability in electrical control system design, reading schematics, and troubleshooting industrial automation hardware.
• Experience with robotic systems, vision systems, and advanced motion control applications in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex automation issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with industrial networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, PROFINET) and cybersecurity best practices for OT environments.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for data analysis, system integration, or automation tasks.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics programming or machine vision system integration.
• Familiarity with data historians, MES systems, or advanced SCADA reporting tools.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Industrial Controls Engineer, PLC Programmer, Process Control Engineer, SCADA Engineer, DCS Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Robotics Controls Engineer, Automation Controls Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, 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.