Automation Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Automation Engineer jobs in Michigan are among the most active in the Midwest, concentrated in automotive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and industrial systems integration across experience levels from entry-level controls technicians to senior systems architects. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Auburn Hills are the primary hiring hubs, where companies like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis maintain deep engineering footprints and consistently recruit automation talent. The most in-demand specialties are PLC programming, robotic cell integration, and industrial control systems design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Full-time
FLSA Status:
Exempt (Salaried)
CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity
At CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) , safety is our top priority. We foster a safety-first culture where employees are empowered to perform at their best and return home safely every day. We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Automation Engineer to join our growing team, supporting advanced automation systems for one of the world’s largest online retailers.
Read on to learn more!
About the Role
If you thrive in fast paced environments, enjoy hands-on problem solving, and want to make a measurable impact while working with modern automation and control systems, this role offers the challenge, autonomy, and growth opportunities to take your engineering career to the next level.
In this role, you won’t just maintain systems—you’ll continuously improve them. You’ll apply your controls and automation knowledge to optimize preventive maintenance strategies, diagnose sophisticated issues, and enhance the performance of industry leading technologies such as conveyors, sortation systems, PLCs, scanners, vision systems, print and apply equipment, and SCADA platforms. Your work will directly influence uptime, safety, and operational excellence across mission critical facilities.
What You’ll Do
Promote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agencies , and company directives related to system operations and work safety.
Troubleshoot and modify software programs for material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers, Allen Bradley Controllogix/Compactlogix PLC platform and RSLogix 5000 software package.
Act as first level escalation in troubleshooting support, both on-site and remotely, as well as during and after business hours, to repair all MHE controls software systems. Respond quickly to emergency situations, summoning assistance as needed.
Inspect systems to ensure the operation of equipment is within design capabilities and achieve operational conditions prescribed by the client.
Oversee scope of development, work request initiation, scheduling, and inspection of work performed by outside contractors, which includes proprietary work, licensed installations, upgrades, and maintenance and inspection of specialized systems.
Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from concept to network implementation.
Monitor Industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, AS-I, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
Monitor material handling equipment metrics and partner with site team to resolve equipment electrical problems that create performance deficiencies.
Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.
Facilitate analysis and reviews of failures and processes to provide recommendations to implement improvements or retraining to avoid future incidents.
Perform controls systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.
Clearly communicate technical issues, project timelines, and product impacts with site leadership, operations and maintenance teams.
Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.
Perform other job-related duties as needed or assigned.
What You’ll Need
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Bachelor's Degree preferred with 2-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education may be considered.
Experience in at least two engineering design cycles including specification, component selection and programming.
2+ years of experience working with PLC programming, robotics system components and controls, and SCADA-based monitoring and control systems.
Ability to be available and work in a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
Ability to independently solve problems and carry out general instructions in standard situations with limited to no oversight.
Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
Ability to guide the exchange of sensitive, complicated, and difficult information, convey performance expectations, and handle problems.
Preferred Qualifications
2+ years apprenticeship or equivalent experience in Control Systems troubleshooting/ programming.
Experience supporting a range of different conveyors and sortation systems.
Experience with robotic maintenance.
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
Extensive organizational skills with a strong inquisitive mindset.
Advanced math skills. Ability to calculate difficult figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.
CBRE Employee Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision
Disability benefit program
401k company matching
Paid time off and holidays
Company paid life insurance
Pet insurance
Paid parental leave
Why CBRE?
We invest in our employees’ development. The core of our strategy is the view that development happens through three key activities: on-the-job learning, coaching and formal training. We provide employees with resources that support them in developing skills to enhance performance in their current role as well as for future roles.
We offer competitive pay, a robust benefits package, wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Come join our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Looking for growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successful service, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within the organization!
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).
See All 69 Automation Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
- Food & Beverage
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering or a related field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency in robotic programming using FANUC, ABB, or KUKA systems
- Familiarity with automotive manufacturing processes and IATF 16949 quality standards
- Experience designing and commissioning industrial control panels and HMI systems
- Knowledge of vision systems, servo drives, and industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP
Automation Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an automation engineer in Michigan?
Most automation engineers in Michigan enter the field with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Michigan does not require a state license for most private-sector automation roles, but engineers working on public projects may pursue licensure through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Earning a Certified Automation Professional credential from ISA strengthens a candidate's profile with Michigan's manufacturing employers.
How much do automation engineers make in Michigan?
Automation engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $121,000 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,990 for the lowest 10% to over $166,360 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Michigan right now include Lear Corporation, General Motors (GM), and La-Z-Boy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's automotive manufacturing base and the dense concentration of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in the Detroit metro and Oakland County mean demand for automation talent stays consistent across economic cycles.
Which Michigan cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Auburn Hills, Holland, and Grand Rapids have the most automation engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and Auburn Hills are anchored by the Big Three automakers and their supplier networks, while Grand Rapids draws demand from food processing, furniture manufacturing, and medical device companies that have expanded their automation investments in recent years.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. About 30% of automation engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most roles. The portions of the job most suited to remote work include controls code development, HMI design, and project documentation, while commissioning, startup, and on-site troubleshooting almost always require a physical presence at the facility.
How can I get hired as an automation engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for controls technician or automation technician roles, which many Michigan manufacturers use as a pipeline into engineering positions. Large automotive suppliers and integrators in the Detroit metro regularly hire associate engineers and co-op graduates directly from Michigan universities and community colleges with mechatronics or industrial technology programs. Building hands-on PLC programming skills through personal projects and earning an entry-level Certified Control Systems Technician credential gives candidates a measurable edge over applicants with only coursework.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings. Search the listings to see roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 69 Automation Engineer Jobs in Michigan
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