Automation Technician

Are you hungry to innovate? To do things differently? To work with a company that’s real, thoughtful and very forward-thinking?

Meet Riverside. We are an organic, better for you snack company, manufacturing award-winning, nutritious, allergen-free snacks.

Your kids know us as MadeGood, tasty school-safe snacks. Your buddies on the go grab our GOOD TO GO delicious and nutritious snacks.

At Riverside, we make delicious snacks that are good in every way. From our ingredients to our manufacturing practices, we’ve raised every bar on every aspect.

We’re friendly and focused on creating foods that are good for you and good to the planet as well. Riverside Natural Foods is B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line, Zero Waste, and Canadian owned and operated.

Come work with a Canadian leader! We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit and fun.

You can learn more about us at

We continue to grow and today are looking for a committed, talented, star to join our team as our Automation Technician.

Position Summary / Purpose : As an Automation Technician, you are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting automated systems, certifying their proper operation and availability.

The automation technician will participate in process improvements involving modifications of automation devices and support the automation integration of the existing machines with the new machines as part of CAPEX projects.

Working Hours :

Mondays to Fridays from 8 AM to 5 PM

Primary Responsibilities :

• Champion Riverside Natural Food’s Core Values.
• Understand and lead compliance with both Health and Safety and Food Safety practices.
• Monitoring, troubleshooting, and programming PLC, HMI, VFD, motion control devices etc. Attend breakdown call related to electronics.
• Responsible for implementing and running a solid system for the backup of all programs and associated parameters with the most secure and effective way to store them.
• Responsible for troubleshooting communications issues in control networks, including Ethernet TCP / IP, MODBUS TCP / IP, OPC UA.

Backup managed switches configurations.

Responsible for Change Management by documenting all modifications and updates on all automation-related programs, parameters, and devices.

Including updates to electrical drawings, functional descriptions, P&ID documentation, and control network diagrams.

• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on complicated and / or recurring automation failure modes. This will include reaching out to a 3rd party, completing risk analysis, evaluating potential causes, and assessing data.
• Responsible for setting up and implementing a calibration process for entire instrumentation and automation devices and their control components.
• Support the implementation of the different Ignition SCADA initiatives focused on collecting, historizing and reporting data to support the decision-making process.

Assist in the implementation of Ignition Supervisory Control for the different equipment.

Support the integration of the new machines to existing control networks and integration with upstream / downstream equipment.

Participate in IO testing and commissioning of new machines with focus on the Automation components.

Other duties as assigned

Reporting Relationships

This position reports directly to the Maintenance Supervisor

Key Qualifications / Requirements

• Completion of Control / Automation Engineering Technician program and certification or equivalent qualification
• Certified Provincial Electricians Ticket (442A or 309D) preferred or working toward one
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automation system
• Possess in-depth knowledge and experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Motion Control Systems. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot industrial automation devices efficiently and effectively.
• Knowledge and experience working with Allen-Bradley and Siemens software, including Studio 500, FT View ME, Connected Components Workbench Developer, TIA Portal.
• Knowledge and experience working with Ignition SCADA is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills including troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills to effectively lead teams to quickly identify issues, causes, and sustainable corrective action.
• Capable of following technical direction while also showing the ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environments.

Possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a results-oriented and highly organized approach.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical drawings, P&ID drawings, and control network drawings.
• Working experience with equipment such as vertical wrapper, horizontal wrappers, robotics pick and place, tunnel oven is an asset.
• Flexibility to work afternoon and weekends.

Core Values

• A TEAM PLAYER with a positive attitude.
• Remarkable time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and ADAPTABILITY.
• Proven desire to learn takes OWNERSHIP , and GRIT for technical fields.
• Exemplifies HUMILITY throughout the company on a day-to-day basis.
• Aptitude to exhibit, RESPECT, and protect Riverside’s Core Values in a changing environment.
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

What We Offer :

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values

How to Apply :

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT) with the subject line Automation Technician or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.