Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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 . #engineeringjobs #careers #jobs #controls