PLC Programmer - Portage Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Portage, MI is seeking a PLC Programmer to join a manufacturing-focused network. Develop and maintain PLC programs for new and existing equipment, emphasizing safety, reliability, and production efficiency.

You will collaborate with engineers and production staff to define control system requirements, design and implement HMI interfaces, and create thorough documentation and training for maintenance teams. The role offers strong growth in a regional manufacturing group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of PLC programming experience (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell).
• Proficient in ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagram languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop and program PLCs for new and existing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and debug PLC programs to resolve production issues.
• Design and implement HMI interfaces for machine control and data visualization.
• Collaborate with engineers and production staff to define control system requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and upgrades on control systems.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation for PLC programs and control systems.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry best practices in all programming activities.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder logic

Structured text

Function block diagram

HMI/SCADA development

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Siemens Step7/TIA Portal

RSLogix/Studio 5000

Job description

PLC Programmer | Portage, MI

Salary Range:

$69,000 - $108,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in plc programmer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Portage seeking skilled PLC Programmers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. 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.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Portage seeking PLC Programmers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and program PLCs for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and debug PLC programs to resolve production issues.
• Design and implement HMI interfaces for machine control and data visualization.
• Collaborate with engineers and production staff to define control system requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and upgrades on control systems.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation for PLC programs and control systems.
• Provide technical support and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry best practices in all programming activities.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation).
• Proficient in ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagram programming languages.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development and integration.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&ID diagrams.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA and HMI development
• Proficiency in high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) for data acquisition or analysis
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols beyond standard PLCs (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT)
• Knowledge of robotics programming and integration
• Experience with vision systems for quality control or guidance

Job Titles That Should Apply

PLC Programmer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Automation Technician, SCADA Programmer, HMI Programmer, Robotics Programmer, Automation Specialist, Mechatronics Engineer, Electrical Controls 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.