Automation Engineering Specialist North York, Ontario, Canada

Riverside Natural Foods Inc.; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Automation Engineering Specialist to lead innovative automation projects. This exciting role involves designing and optimizing automated systems to enhance operational efficiency across various industrial projects. You'll collaborate with teams to ensure successful project delivery while staying updated on best practices and emerging solutions. Join a company that values teamwork and personal development, offering a supportive environment where your contributions will help shape the future. If you're passionate about automation and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits program

RRSP or IRA matching

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Employee-Led Resource Groups

Open concept work environment

Qualifications

• 6+ years in automation with 4+ years leading projects.
• Strong knowledge of control system design and SCADA platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept to completion.
• Design and implement automated systems for efficiency.
• Provide technical support and training to teams.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Project management

Communication skills

Troubleshooting skills

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Education

Control/Automation or Electrical Engineering program

Certification or equivalent qualification

Tools

SCADA systems

PLC programming

HMI programming

VFD programming

Servo drives

Industrial network devices

Job description

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.

Role Overview

As an Automation Engineering Specialist, you are responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems, while leading and supporting automation initiatives across various industrial projects. This role requires staying up to date with the best practices and emerging solutions in the market. The automation engineering specialist will lead the design and implementation of new automated solutions in collaboration with operations, OEMs and local integrators to enhance operational efficiency, quality and reliability. The automation engineering specialist will participate in process improvements by modifying automation systems and ensuring integration between the existing and new machinery as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside Natural Food’s Core Values.
• Understand and lead compliance with both Health and Safety and Food Safety practices.
• Lead CAPEX automation projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Lead and actively participate in the automation scope of various CAPEX projects.
• Develop and manage project plans, budget, and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, OEMs and integrators to achieve project goals.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead the implementation of SCADA systems for both existing and new lines or machinery to gather performance data that supports the decision-making process.
• Develop and continuously update automation URS (User Requirement Specifications) for new assets.
• Design automation systems and control network architectures in collaboration with OEMs for new machinery. Perform hardware and software selection based on project requirements and Riverside automation standards.
• Lead and support the IO testing, dry commissioning and wet commissioning of new machinery.
• Design the automation integration of new assets in existing production lines.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams. Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on complicated and/or recurring automation failures.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including electrical diagrams, control network diagrams, manuals, functional descriptions, automation devices backups.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• This position reports directly to the Engineering Manager.

Key Qualifications/Requirements

• Completion of Control/Automation or Electrical Engineering program and certification or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 6 years in an automation role with:

1. Min. 2 years of experience preferably in industrial or manufacturing environments.
2. Min. 4 years of experience leading automation projects in the industry.

Strong knowledge of control system and control network design.

Familiarity with robotics, motion control, and vision systems is a plus.

Knowledge and experience working with SCADA platforms.

Proficiency in PLC, HMI, VFD, servo drives and industrial network devices programming.

Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Strong project management and organization abilities.

Capable of following technical direction while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environments.

Possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a results-oriented and highly organized approach.

Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting electrical drawings, P&ID drawings, and control network drawings.

Working experience with equipment such as vertical wrapper, horizontal wrappers, robotics pick and place, tunnel oven is an asset.

Flexibility to work afternoon and weekends.

Core Values

• A TEAM PLAYER with a positive attitude.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative.
• Proven desire to learn, takes OWNERSHIP, and a PASSION for technical fields.
• Demonstrates HUMILITY throughout the company on a day-to-day basis.
• Aptitude to exhibit RESPECT and protect Riverside’s Core Values in a changing environment.
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

What We Expect

• Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future.
• Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff.
• Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself.
• Gratitude: We value you and show our appreciation.

What We Offer

• Values-led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit.
• Courageous determination: You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, and keep moving forward.
• Humility: We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products.
• Continuous improvement: We rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch.

Wait! There’s more!

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey.
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values.

How to Apply

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.