Senior Control Systems Software Designer

Job Description

MAJOR DUTIES:

As a member of a highly motivated, dynamic, multi-disciplined team, you will design and develop world-class automation solutions. Duties involve

• Planning and leading projects including oversight of a project team
• Responsible for project tracking, project milestones and project budget for assigned project including attending project team meetings
• Contributing to machine concepts
• Design of control software
• Integration of software with electrical and mechanical systems
• Mentoring more junior members of the controls team
• Process development and machine installation at customer sites worldwide
• Programming and integration assignments involve leading-edge technologies and processes utilizing PLC’s, PC’s, robotics, motion controllers, vision systems, laser and other controllers.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete yearly assigned department objectives
• Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements based on standard ATS programming methods.
• Debug and commission control systems at our facility, during the system integration stage and then at the customer’s site during installation.
• Travel as required to customer and supplier sites to perform installation, commissioning and training duties.
• Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems and lasers.
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and reduced cost.
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to ensure that labor and material budgets as well as scheduled delivery dates are adhered to or improved upon.
• Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems in order to provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
• Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
• Provide accurate documentation for each project.
• Advise customer on solving technical problems.
• Provide customer with training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles and program structure).
• These responsibilities are subject to change as a function of the individual’s abilities.
• Improve the knowledge and capability of other members of the engineering department through mentoring.
• Responsible to work with leader on development plan, updating Skills/Training Matrix and attending 1:1 meetings.
• Responsible for advancing self-knowledge, and demonstrating the use of a variety of ABM tools including but not limited to: PDCA, Formal Problem Solving (A3, RCCA), Kaizen, Just-Do-It CIs, 5S, 8W, Visual Management (Control Boards)
• Responsible for meeting Team Member level KPIs as assigned. (Budget, Schedule, Quality, CI)
• Assist with the Team Leader’s responsibilities during their absence and periodically supervise the software development and integration effort on at a team level delegating tasks to a team of people.
• Responsible for communicating time estimates and resource requirements on controls tasks to the Team Leader and at times the Project managers.

Additional Responsibilities

• At times will be asked to periodically assist with: Participate/lead in the concepting and requirements definition of a project with the FEOTB team. Develop and verify concept and labour hour’s budget in quote preparation. Provide expert judgment and expertise in the oversight and review of technical projects. Lead technical evaluation of significant technologies in their area of expertise, and sign off on project designs Provide engineering support to ATS’ worldwide divisions. Provide technical assistance to the rest of the department for area of expertise. Will assist in developing design and department standards. Oversees Co-op students Ensure that the concepts and design of customer solutions maximizes the use of standard code. Lead or participate in design reviews with customers, vendors and internal design groups. Assist with continuous improvement efforts within the department.
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.

Qualifications

Education:

• A post-secondary engineering degree, diploma or equivalent, specializing in mechanical, electrical, systems or computer engineering.

Experience:

• Strong programming, mechanical and electrical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding of robotics, control systems and machine operation with hands-on experience is desirable.
• A self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Health, Safety & Environmental

All employees have the responsibility to work in a safe manner and report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner.

Health, Safety and Environment include:

• Work in compliance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts
• Report defect in any equipment or protective device
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for the assigned tasks
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
• Report any accidents/incidents to supervisor
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents
• Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct