Automation Designer - Systems Engineering

ATS Automation; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in the Region of Waterloo is seeking an Engineering graduate to develop automated systems in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will support the design and integration of systems while engaging in proposal preparations. Strong problem-solving skills and communication are essential as you work with cross-functional teams. This role offers opportunities for innovation and professional growth, as well as competitive rewards and development programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Share Purchase Program

Qualifications

• A Master's degree is an asset.
• Hands-on experience with automated systems or machine tools is beneficial.
• Good written and oral communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support design and integration of machines based on customer processes.
• Assist in proposal preparations and respond to specifications.
• Create models or conduct experiments to validate designs.

Skills

Automation expertise

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Post-secondary Engineering degree

Tools

Robotics

Vision systems

Motion controls

Job description

Overview

The world isn’t standing still, and neither is ATS Life Sciences. We design, build, and service critical automated solutions for medical device and pharmaceutical companies as part of ATS Life Sciences Systems, a division of ATS Corporation. We are dedicated to assisting our customers in improving the quality of life for people around the world. When there is no room for error, and product failure is not an option, leading life sciences companies trust us to resolve their production challenges.

Job Description: Work with the ATS Front End of the Business teams, designers, project managers, and customers to develop, design, and execute system solutions, including automation concepts, functional and critical requirements, and testing that meets the customer’s process requirements for automated systems or prototypes.

Responsibilities

• Learn a customer process and become the local expert to support the design and integration of the machine once it is built, ensuring that all specifications are achieved.
• Travel internationally and domestically to supplier and customer facilities to support sales discussions, system testing, and third-party equipment buy-off as needed.
• Assist in proposal preparation activities, including responding to customer specification documents, preparing analyses and supporting documentation, and estimating budgets.
• Identify potentially high‑risk elements of the system and develop and lead a mitigation strategy.
• Support or lead development of automation concepts for critical processes and systems to ensure that functional and critical requirements are met.
• Create models or conduct experiments to validate design outputs and assumptions.
• Perform hands-on testing of designed apparatus to mitigate technical risks (proof of principle and engineering studies).
• Define and document automated process requirements and equipment specifications, and engineering documents such as Concept Technical Risk Assessment, FMEA and Vendor Technical Specifications, Functional Specification, and Acceptance Test Plans.
• Lead complex technical challenges; develop, communicate, and lead the recommended path forward.
• Drive and verify machine performance improvements by identifying and executing the appropriate path forward, including root cause analysis, Gage R&R studies, DOE, challenge tests, or analysis of machine data.
• Lead systems engineering tasks including analysis and design support of all aspects of a machine, such as system accuracy, cycle-time, vibration, hazards, thermal analysis, metrology/instrumentation, kinematics, reliability/maintainability, simulations, testing, statistical analysis, and Failure Mode Effects Analysis; participate in design and concept reviews with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Coordinate project activities with suppliers of third-party equipment, including writing technical specifications and conducting acceptance tests.
• Identify and develop innovation ideas and support technology innovations and assessments, including design, development, and testing; initiate and lead risk assessments and mitigation plans; review plans and budgets as design evolves.
• Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement mentality and drive improvements to the Systems Design processes to increase department capability and performance.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees in department procedures and provide engineering support to ATS worldwide divisions.
• Ensure design requirements are clearly defined, documented, reviewed, and approved.

Additional responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to department policies and procedures.
• Ensure all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
• Work in compliance with divisional health, safety, and environmental procedures.

Qualifications

Education: A post-secondary Engineering degree in Systems, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Physics, Software, or equivalent. Master’s degree is an asset.

Experience: Prior experience with automation, motion controls, robotics, vision systems, engineering research and development or testing, hands-on experience with automated systems or machine tools, simulations and modeling, structured problem solving, and statistical analysis is an asset. Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary project team are essential.

Health, Safety & Environment

• 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, defects in equipment or protective devices, and accidents/incidents to the supervisor; assist in investigating accidents/incidents.
• Ensure required protective equipment is used and attend all required health, safety and environmental training.
• Avoid prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running, or rough conduct.

If you’re excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.

Why YOU should join our ATS Life Sciences Systems team

We value our PEOPLE - The foundation of a great company is having the best team. We continuously work to develop, engage, empower and energize our people. We value diversity and inclusion.

What we do MATTERS - Our Life Sciences projects contribute to improving lives worldwide. ATS commits to being carbon neutral by 2030.

INNOVATION and PROBLEM SOLVING - Continuous improvement, diverse teams, and creative problem-solving.

Internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT - Tuition reimbursement, individual development programs, and opportunities to grow within ATS.

COMPETITIVE Total Rewards - Competitive salaries, overtime eligibility, vacation, incentive program, comprehensive benefits, RRSP matching, and optional Employee Share Purchase Program.

A place to BELONG - We celebrate differences and ensure equal opportunities for growth and development.

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005. We will assist those who require accommodations; please notify our offices if accommodation is necessary.