Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Vaughan, ON Full Time
$130k/year - $160k/year

A market leader in the manufacturing industry is looking for a Senior Controls & Automation Engineer. Reporting to regional engineering leadership, the successful candidate will lead the transformation of legacy and obsolete control systems across the company’s North American manufacturing operations while supporting day-to-day operational controls needs. This role involves designing, integrating, and deploying new control platforms, software, hardware, and equipment to modernize plant automation and ensure operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead multi-site controls system modernization and equipment automation, migrating from legacy platforms to current technologies (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk, Inductive Ignition)
  • Collaborate with integrators to specify, design, test, and implement automation and control systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, safety systems, and industrial networks
  • Oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of automation upgrades, control panel retrofits, and network architecture improvements
  • Develop and maintain new process control systems and improve existing processes
  • Manage contractors, consultants, and suppliers for automation projects
  • Provide strategic controls support and troubleshooting to 16 North American plants
  • Maintain corporate programming, documentation, drawing standards, and change logs for all automation platforms
  • Design, review, and update electrical schematics, P&IDs, one-line diagrams, and panel layouts in compliance with UL508a, NEC, and NFPA 70E standards
  • Establish predictive and preventive maintenance protocols for automation assets and upskill local plant technicians
  • Participate in and lead stage gate reviews for controls scope in capital projects
  • Interface with Corporate IT to align plant automation with IT infrastructure standards
  • Plan and schedule projects, including capital expenditure preparation
  • Monitor emerging technologies and assess pilot automation solutions for scalability
  • Act as controls subject matter expert for plant maintenance teams

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Strong project management and change leadership skills
  • Hands-on experience with brownfield controls and automation upgrades in operating plant environments
  • Expertise in Rockwell Automation (RSView32, FactoryTalk) and Inductive Ignition platforms
  • Skilled in PLC logic, HMI screens, servo motion control, and safety PLC systems
  • Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networking, remote I/O systems, and instrumentation calibration
  • Ability to work with integrators and contractors to implement automation systems
  • Proficient with AutoCAD, MS Project, Excel, and common controls diagnostic tools
  • Excellent communicator able to lead cross-functional initiatives and coach plant teams
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology diploma
  • P.Eng. or CET designation preferred
  • Frequent travel over 50% across North America
  • Minimum 5 years of industrial automation experience, including control system migration, design, integration, and plant operations support
  • Hands-on commissioning and start-up experience in large-scale projects (>$10M)

About Us:

JP Recruitment specialize in technical positions in the engineering & manufacturing space across Canada. For a listing of more roles, visit www.jprecruitment.ca/careers. #engineeringjobs #careers #jobs #controls

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