Automation Engineer- Maintenance

Socket.dev; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Aspire Bakeries in Ancaster, ON is seeking an Automation Engineer, Bakery‑Maintenance to maintain and optimize PLC‑controlled systems, maximizing equipment reliability, productivity, and GMP compliance across our bakery operations.

You will troubleshoot electrical and automation issues, plan software updates, develop documentation, and mentor maintenance technicians while collaborating with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement improvements; weekend shifts are required.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related field.
• Experience with PLC programming in industrial settings.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and control drawings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize PLC programs and automation platforms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues.
• Document updates and support maintenance staff.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Electrical control systems

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

Omron

HMIs

Job description

Hungry for a career that’s as rewarding as it is delicious?

At Aspire Bakeries, we don’t just bake breads, cookies, and cakes - we create foods that bring people together. From La Brea Bakery® artisan breads to Otis Spunkmeyer® cookies, our products are enjoyed by millions of people every day. And behind every bite are talented manufacturing and support teams who take pride in their work and our food.

We’re looking for hard-working people who will bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for excellence to everything they do - whether that’s on the bakery floor, in the office, or supporting customers. In return, we offer a workplace culture built on care, ownership, and growth - where your contributions matter and your career can rise as high as our bread loaves!

With 13 commercial bakeries across North America and a reputation as an industry leader, Aspire Bakeries is rising together with our people and our customers to be the best all-around bakery solution. If you’re ready to grow with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Why You’ll Love Working At Aspire Bakeries

• Culture - Our culture thrives on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for excellence. We support team members, empower growth, and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-paid life insurance and additional voluntary options to fit your needs, including disability coverage.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and holidays so you can recharge and spend time on what matters most.
• Retirement Savings – A competitive registered retirement plan (RPP) with immediate company match.
• Growth & Development – Opportunities to build skills, grow your career, and develop expertise through Aspire Bakeries’ learning and development programs.
• Recognition & Rewards – Performance incentive plans that celebrate achievements across sales, bakery performance, and individual contributions.

About the Role

We are seeking an Automation Engineer, Bakery- Maintenance to join our team at our Ancaster, ON bakery. As an Automation Engineer, Bakery-Maintenance, you will be accountable for maintaining and optimizing automation systems to maximize equipment reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency. This role plays a critical part in supporting safe food production by troubleshooting, improving, and sustaining PLC-controlled manufacturing systems while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and GMP standards.

Shift & Schedule

• Shift: Morning
• Hours: 8-hour shifts
• Weekend Availability: Required

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $50.84 per hour
• Shift Premiums: $1.20/hour for nights and $2.00/hour for weekends
• Weekends: Required as business needs

Core Accountabilities (What You’ll Be Doing)

• Maintain and optimize PLC programs, control systems, and automation platforms to ensure reliable production operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation, electrical, and control system issues to minimize equipment downtime.
• Plan and execute software updates, system modifications, and automation improvement projects.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, program backups, and control system databases.
• Support and train maintenance technicians by providing technical expertise, coaching, and skills development.
• Collaborate with vendors, engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement automation solutions and equipment upgrades.
• Promote and uphold food safety, quality, GMP, and health and safety standards across all maintenance activities.

Minimum Qualifications (What You Bring to the Table)

• Degree, diploma, or certificate in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or a related technical field; or a relevant electrical/industrial trade license with equivalent experience.
• Experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, or similar systems.
• Experience working with HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, sensors, industrial networks, and automated control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with maintenance, engineering, and production teams.

Preferred Qualifications (Extra Ingredients for Success)

• Related designation or certification in PLC programming or industrial automation.
• Experience with equipment installation, start-up, commissioning, and automated production systems.
• Experience within food manufacturing, bakery, or other GMP‑regulated environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience providing training, mentoring, or technical guidance to maintenance teams.
• Strong project management and documentation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

We thank each applicant for taking the time and effort to submit an application; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.