Automation/Controls Supervisor

Magna International Limited; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Exteriors in Vaughan, Ontario, seeks an Automation/Controls Supervisor to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated systems in a high-volume automotive parts plant. You will manage a team of automation technicians and engineers, ensuring uptime, safety, and quality across PLCs, robotics, vision, and motion control.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics, 5+ years in industrial automation with 2+ years in a supervisory capacity,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics or equivalent.
• 5+ years in industrial automation with at least 2 years in a lead/supervisory role.
• Proficiency with PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text) and HMI.
• Experience with robotic systems (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc) and vision systems.
• Knowledge of safety standards and quality systems (IATF16949, ISO 45001).

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of automation technicians and engineers.
• Oversee design, programming, commissioning of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics.
• Drive root-cause analysis for downtime and quality issues.
• Lead continuous improvement projects (OEE, cycle time).
• Develop documentation and ensure safety/regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders for installs and upgrades.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robot programming

Industrial networking

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Safety compliance

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics

Tools

Omron PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

ABB robot

KUKA robot

Fanuc robot

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

VFDs

Vision systems

Job description

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What We Offer

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary

The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets. Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.

Job Responsibilities

The Automation/Controls Supervisor leads the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated systems and controls in a high-volume automotive parts assembly plant. This role ensures reliable operation of PLCs, robotics, vision systems, conveyors, and related equipment to maximize uptime, quality, safety, and throughput. The supervisor manages a team of technicians and engineers while partnering closely with production, quality, and maintenance departments.

• Supervise, train, mentor, and schedule a team of automation technicians, controls engineers, and related specialists.
• Oversee the design, programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLC (Omron, Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI, SCADA, robotics (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc preferred), vision systems, and motion control systems.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and permanent corrective actions for automation‑related downtime, quality issues, and process deviations.
• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, OEE improvement, and Industry 4.0 initiatives (data collection, predictive maintenance, IIoT).
• Develop and maintain documentation including control narratives, electrical schematics, PLC programs, robot programs, and standard work for automation systems.
• Ensure all automation and controls work complies with plant safety standards, Ontario electrical code (CSA), automotive quality requirements (IATF 16949), QMS (IATF16949), Health and Safety (ISO 45001), EMS (ISO14001), and security (PIP) requirements and customer specifications.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, integrators, and internal stakeholders during new equipment installations, upgrades, and major overhauls.
• Manage spare parts inventory for critical automation components and develop preventive/predictive maintenance strategies for controls and robotic systems.
• Support production during launches, model changes, and volume ramps by ensuring automation readiness and rapid issue resolution.
• Track and report key performance indicators (uptime, mean time to repair, first‑time quality related to automation, project timelines, and team development metrics).
• Enforce lockout/tagout, arc flash, and machine guarding practices; participate in safety audits and incident investigations involving automated equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and extensive hands‑on experience).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in industrial automation and controls, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role, preferably in automotive manufacturing or high‑volume assembly.
• Strong proficiency with PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text), HMI development, robot programming, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience troubleshooting servo systems, VFDs, sensors, safety PLCs, and vision systems in a production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, prioritize work under pressure, and deliver results in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Compensation: $95,000- $115,000

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI‑Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision‑making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type

Regular / Permanent

Group

Magna Exteriors