Automation Engineer - Grayling Area

Automation Engineer | Grayling, MI

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

Are you a seasoned 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 committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Grayling area seeking Automation Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 Grayling in Crawford County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Gaylord, Mancelona, Houghton Lake, and Roscommon.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across the Grayling area 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.

Usual Responsibilities

• 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.
• Coordinate with maintenance and production teams on repairs and upgrades.
• Run tests and validation for new programs and hardware changes.

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

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

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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 https://www.thepivotgroup.org. 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.