Automation Engineer - Rockford Area

Job Description:

Automation Engineer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $80,000 - $125,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for designing systems that improve efficiency and reduce manual processes? 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 Rockford seeking skilled Automation Engineers.

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 are partnering with organizations in Rockford that are seeking Automation Engineers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy automation solutions for manufacturing processes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing automated systems to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify automation opportunities and requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, P&IDs, and operational procedures.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems to control and monitor manufacturing equipment.
• Conduct root cause analysis for automation-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years experience in industrial automation, robotics, or control systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and HMI/SCADA development.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus).
• Experience with vision systems, sensors, and other industrial automation components.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex automation issues.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) integration
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus TCP/IP)
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for presenting automation performance
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices in an industrial control system (ICS) environment

Job Titles That Should Apply

Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Industrial Automation Engineer, Process Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Automation Specialist, Automation Technician, Automation Lead, Automation Architect, Automation Consultant, DevOps 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 ;br>
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 at The Pivot Group Network 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.

Required Skills:
Resume
Data
Offers
TCP/IP
Robotics
Support
Development
Root Cause Analysis
Technical Documentation
ROOT
Analysis
Visualization
Salary
Hiring
Partnerships
Corrective Actions
Recruiting
Compensation
Components
Data Visualization
Reliability
DevOps
Manufacturing
Automation
Programming
Integration
Tableau
Power BI
Computer Science
Preparation
Documentation
Maintenance
Design
Engineering
Science
Communication

Salary Package:
$ 80,000.00 - 125,000.00 (US Dollar)