Automation & Controls specialist (entry-level)

Actalent; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking two entry-level automation & controls specialists to support Siemens-controlled equipment across an automotive plant in Essex (Windsor), Ontario. The six-month project will cover approximately 35% of the plant’s equipment and focuses on Siemens systems.

Responsibilities include configuring equipment, updating PLCs with Step 7 and TIA Portal, and transmitting data to the cloud for alerts and work orders.

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred, or equivalent direct work experience.
• Up to two years of relevant experience, including co-op or internship experience.
• Proficiency with Siemens controllers (S7-1500, S7-1200, S7-300, S7-400), Siemens TIA Portal, and Siemens STEP 7.
• Proficiency writing code structured around IEC 61131-3 standards, prioritizing Ladder Logic (LD), Function Block Diagrams (FBD), or Structured Text (ST)
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (PROFINET, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP)
• Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings, sequences of operation, and maintain system documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a unionized environment.

Responsibilities

• Modify and configure equipment equipped with Siemens control systems.
• Update PLC programs and sub-routines using Siemens Step 7 (TIA Portal).
• Transmit equipment data through the interface module and configure the monitoring portal.
• Ensure PLC data is securely transmitted to the cloud to support automated alerts and proactive work-order generation.
• Diagnose, test, and fix software logic and errors related to the implementation of monitoring software.

Skills

Siemens PLC programming

TIA Portal

STEP 7

IEC 61131-3 languages

Industrial protocols

Electrical schematics reading

Communication skills

union environment experience

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens STEP 7

TIA Portal

S7 controllers (S7-1500/1200/300/400)

Job description

Actalent is a global leader in engineering services and human capital solutions. We are supporting a major client in the automotive sector based out of Essex (Windsor) Ontario. We are seeking two entry-level automation & controls specialists to support Siemens-controlled equipment across the automotive plant for machining and assembly areas. The controls specialist will configure a new monitoring system for plant assets and capital equipment to improve performance tracking and proactively identify potential performance drift. The six-month project is expected to cover approximately 35% of the plant’s equipment and is currently focused exclusively on Siemens-controlled systems.

Responsibilities

• Modify and configure equipment equipped with Siemens control systems.
• Update PLC programs and sub-routines using Siemens Step 7 (TIA Portal).
• Transmit equipment data through the interface module and configure the monitoring portal.
• Ensure PLC data is securely transmitted to the cloud to support automated alerts and proactive work-order generation.
• Diagnose, test, and fix software logic and errors related to the implementation of monitoring software.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred, or equivalent direct work experience.
• Up to two years of relevant experience, including co-op or internship experience.
• Proficiency with Siemens controllers (S7-1500, S7-1200, S7-300, S7-400), Siemens TIA Portal, and Siemens STEP 7.
• Proficiency writing code structured around IEC 61131-3 standards, prioritizing Ladder Logic (LD), Function Block Diagrams (FBD), or Structured Text (ST)
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (PROFINET, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP)
• Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings, sequences of operation, and maintain system documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a unionized environment.

Actalent thanks all applicants; only selected qualified candidates will be contacted.