Automation & Controls Specialist

Canadian Executive Search Group; London; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Pension/retirement plan

Paid vacation and personal time

Safety footwear reimbursement

Job summary

Canadian Executivesearch Group Inc. is seeking an experienced Automation Specialist for a London Area client to lead Controls & Automation initiatives in a high-volume manufacturing setting.

The role focuses on automation systems, PLCs, CNC equipment, electrical systems, and manufacturing processes to improve equipment performance, downtime, and safety. Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of Controls & Automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Tier-1 automotive, heavy manufacturing, machining, or high-volume production environments considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to identify, prioritize, and execute automation and controls improvement opportunities across operations.
• Support Process Engineering and Project Engineering teams during process design, equipment specification, and new product launch phases.
• Translate process requirements into detailed equipment requirements and project scopes of work.
• Manage all aspects of Controls & Automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Coordinate internal teams, contractors, vendors, and external resources to ensure successful project execution.
• Deliver projects that meet scope, timing, quality, and budget expectations.
• Anticipate technical and operational risks; implement preventive and corrective actions while escalating issues when required.
• Maintain clear, regular, and relevant communication with stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• Provide technical support to the maintenance department for troubleshooting and equipment reliability improvements.
• Upgrade and optimize existing manufacturing equipment to improve efficiency, uptime, quality, and safety.
• Ensure all automation systems, machinery, and controls comply with applicable safety standards and company requirements.
• Complete organized and well-documented project handovers to affected departments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and safe workplace culture.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Servo drives

Machine safety

Electrical troubleshooting

CNC controllers

Robotics

Conveyors

2D/3D design

Industrial networking

SCADA

Education

Automation/Controls engineering degree

Tools

Fanuc CNC controllers

Siemens CNC controllers

CAD software

SAP

Job description

Canadian Executivesearch Group Inc. is seeking an experienced Automation Specialist for a London Area client

About the Company

We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Controls & Automation Specialist to join our manufacturing operations team in a dynamic Tier-1 mid/high-volume environment focused on the machining and assembly of powertrain components for large diesel engines. This critical role will take an active lead in all aspects of Controls & Automation by improving existing manufacturing equipment, supporting new equipment launches, and assisting the maintenance team when required.

About the Role

The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise in automation systems, robotics, PLCs, CNC equipment, electrical systems, and manufacturing processes. This role offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence, improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with company, safety, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to identify, prioritize, and execute automation and controls improvement opportunities across operations.
• Support Process Engineering and Project Engineering teams during process design, equipment specification, and new product launch phases.
• Translate process requirements into detailed equipment requirements and project scopes of work.
• Manage all aspects of Controls & Automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Coordinate internal teams, contractors, vendors, and external resources to ensure successful project execution.
• Deliver projects that meet scope, timing, quality, and budget expectations.
• Anticipate technical and operational risks; implement preventive and corrective actions while escalating issues when required.
• Maintain clear, regular, and relevant communication with stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• Provide technical support to the maintenance department for troubleshooting and equipment reliability improvements.
• Upgrade and optimize existing manufacturing equipment to improve efficiency, uptime, quality, and safety.
• Ensure all automation systems, machinery, and controls comply with applicable safety standards and company requirements.
• Complete organized and well-documented project handovers to affected departments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and safe workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of Controls & Automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Tier-1 automotive, heavy manufacturing, machining, or high-volume production environments considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with assembly equipment including torque systems, presses, force/distance systems, cameras, sensors, functional testing, traceability systems, and packaging equipment.
• Strong experience with material handling systems including robotics, conveyors, and sorting systems.
• Proven experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, servos, drives, and machine safety systems.
• Hands-on electrical experience in troubleshooting, wiring, repairs, and implementation.
• Experience designing power and instrumentation electrical circuits and building physical control panels.
• Good understanding of industrial networking and Ethernet communications.
• Experience with Fanuc and Siemens CNC controllers.
• Strong understanding of CNC mechanical systems including motion axes, ATCs, APCs, hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, coolant systems, and chillers.
• Mechanical troubleshooting experience is considered a strong asset.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and machine safety standards.
• Ability to use 2D and 3D engineering design software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent coordination, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within and promote a respectful and safe team environment.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to modify and troubleshoot CNC programs.
• Knowledge of machining operations including milling, drilling, tapping, turning, honing, and grinding.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Understanding of ergonomics, safety, and sustainability principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Working knowledge of SAP.

Pay range and compensation package

• Comprehensive benefits package for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched registered pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Paid vacation and personal time to support work-life balance and rest.
• Safety footwear and prescription safety glasses reimbursement program.
• Corporate partnership discount with GoodLife Fitness to support employee health and wellness.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Supportive and collaborative workplace culture committed to employee success.
• Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and qualifications.
• Recognition of employee contribution through a positive and inclusive work environment.