Automation Engineer – Whitehall Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Whitehall Township (MI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Whitehall, MI is seeking an Automation Engineer to join a network of manufacturers focused on efficiency and automation. This role supports installation, commissioning, and programming of PLCs and robots, with opportunities across Michigan's Whitehall area.

You will collaborate with maintenance and production teams to reduce downtime, read schematics, and implement control system enhancements. This network aims to connect talent with lasting career opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering or equivalent.
• 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.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Support installation and commissioning of new automation cells.
• Monitor equipment performance and address recurring downtime causes.
• Maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, and equipment documentation.
• 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.

Skills

PLC programming

Schematics reading

Robotics familiarity

Troubleshooting

Shift work

Industrial safety

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Mechanical/Controls

Tools

SCADA

Robot programming cert

Capital equipment PM

Vision systems

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Automation Engineer | Whitehall, MI

Salary Range: $83,000 – $128,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented 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 advancement. We collaborate with leading companies in the Whitehall 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 Whitehall in Muskegon County, within about 30 minutes of the city.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing firms in the Whitehall area that seek skilled Automation Engineers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and look for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Support installation and commissioning of new automation cells.
• Monitor equipment performance and address recurring downtime causes.
• Maintain electrical schematics, control drawings, and equipment documentation.
• 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.

Recommended 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.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work across shifts.

Bonus Qualifications

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

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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.

Required Skills

Resume Data Offers Robotics Access Support Development Process Optimization Analysis Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Compensation Timelines Inspection Reliability Optimization R Manufacturing Automation Programming Computer Science Preparation Software Documentation Maintenance Design Engineering SQL Python Science Training Communication

Salary Package

$ 83,000.00 – 128,000.00 (US Dollar)