Automation Engineer – Grand Rapids Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Grand Rapids, MI, recruits Automation Engineers for manufacturers in and around Grand Rapids. Opportunities include designing, programming, and optimizing automated systems to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

Ideal candidates have a BS in electrical/mechanical/controls engineering or equivalent, hands-on PLC experience (Allen-Bradley or Siemens), and familiarity with robotics and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams.
• Experience supporting automated equipment in a production environment.
• Familiarity with industrial robots and machine safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with maintenance and production teams on repairs and upgrades.
• Run tests and validation for new programs and hardware changes.
• Train operators and technicians on automated equipment operation.
• Troubleshoot automated production equipment and controls issues during shifts.
• Program and modify PLC, HMI, and robot logic for production changes.
• Support installation and commissioning of new automation cells.
• Monitor equipment performance and address recurring downtime causes.
• Maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, and equipment documentation.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Shift work

Electrical control systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Job description

Job Description:

Automation Engineer | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $86,000 – $131,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for designing systems that improve efficiency and reduce manual processes? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We collaborate with companies in the Grand Rapids area seeking experienced Automation Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Automation Engineer opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Grand Rapids in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including East Grand Rapids and Northview.

The Opportunity

We partner with organizations in the Grand Rapids area that seek Automation Engineers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and look for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Usual Responsibilities

• Coordinate with maintenance and production teams on repairs and upgrades.
• Run tests and validation for new programs and hardware changes.
• Train operators and technicians on automated equipment operation.
• Troubleshoot automated production equipment and controls issues during shifts.
• Program and modify PLC, HMI, and robot logic for production changes.
• Support installation and commissioning of new automation cells.
• Monitor equipment performance and address recurring downtime causes.
• Maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, and equipment documentation.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work across shifts.
• Bachelor degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control diagrams.
• Experience supporting automated equipment in a production environment.
• Familiarity with industrial robots and machine safety standards.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with vision systems and industrial networking.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma training.
• Experience with SCADA or data collection systems.
• Robot programming certification.
• Project management experience for capital equipment projects.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Process Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, Maintenance Engineer, Systems Integration Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Technician, Manufacturing Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network 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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

As our partnerships grow, we’ll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.

Required Skills:

Resume Offers Robotics Support Root Cause Analysis ROOT Interfaces Operations Analysis ERP Salary Hiring Partnerships Corrective Actions Electrical Engineering Recruiting Compensation Programming Languages Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Automation Programming Integration Technical Support C# Computer Science Preparation Planning Maintenance Design Engineering Python Science Training Communication

Salary Package:

$ 86,000.00 – 131,000.00 (US Dollar)