Automation Engineer - East Lansing Area

Job Description:

Automation Engineer | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $82,000 - $127,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled 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 dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in East Lansing seeking experienced 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 partner with manufacturers across East Lansing seeking Automation Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy automated systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots for new and existing equipment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automation systems to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for automation systems.
• Conduct training for operators and maintenance personnel on new automated equipment.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial) or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, control systems, or robotics within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in programming PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and HMI/SCADA systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherNet/IP, Profinet).
• Experience with robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB) for material handling, assembly, or welding applications.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Industry 4.0 or Smart Factory initiatives.
• Familiarity with a variety of PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens, Mitsubishi).
• Background in a specific manufacturing process (e.g., discrete assembly, continuous process, robotics).
• Certification in a relevant technology or methodology (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, AWS Cloud Practitioner).
• Proficiency in a secondary programming language like Python or C#.

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

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

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
• Offers
• Robotics
• Operators
• Lean Six Sigma
• Support
• Welding
• Technical Documentation
• Six Sigma
• Salary
• Hiring
• Partnerships
• Recruiting
• Compensation
• AWS
• Manufacturing
• Automation
• Programming
• C#
• Preparation
• Documentation
• Maintenance
• Design
• Engineering
• Python
• Training
• Communication


Salary Package:
$ 82,000.00 - 127,000.00 (US Dollar)