Job Description: The Controls Engineering Technician is responsible for the complete controls engineering lifecycle of custom automation equipment, robotic work cells, special purpose machinery, and turnkey manufacturing systems. This includes controls system design, PLC and HMI programming, robotics integration, commissioning, machine startup, and customer support.
Working closely with Project Managers, Mechanical & Controls Designers, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Customers, the successful candidate will develop innovative, reliable, and cost-effective automation solutions while ensuring projects meet customer specifications, industry standards, schedules, and budget objectives.
Every project is unique, providing the opportunity to work on a wide variety of advanced manufacturing systems for leading customers across North America.
Reporting to: Controls Engineering Supervisor – Automation Division
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design and develop electrical control systems for custom automation equipment and robotic manufacturing cells.
- Develop PLC programs primarily using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 (ControlLogix/CompactLogix) , Siemens (TIA Portal) , and Omron (Sysmac Studio)
- Develop HMI applications using FactoryTalk View, Siemens WinCC, Omron, and similar platforms.
- Configure and integrate servo systems, VFDs, distributed I/O, safety devices, and industrial communication networks.
- Integrate robotic systems including FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, or similar platforms.
- Integrate machine vision systems, barcode readers, leak testing equipment, and other intelligent automation devices.
- Perform machine commissioning including power-up, I/O verification, debugging, optimization, and production validation.
- Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), equipment installation, and customer launch activities.
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, robotics, networking, and automation issues during machine build, installation, and production startup.
- Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Project Management to deliver high-quality automation systems.
- Mentor junior Controls Engineers and Controls Technicians while promoting engineering standards and continuous improvement.
- Maintain complete software backups, documentation, and revision control throughout each project.
- Occasional travel throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico as required to support customer installations and service activities.
Qualifications:
- Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 3 + years of controls engineering experience in custom automation, special machine building, or automated manufacturing.