Automation Project Leader

Tetra Pak processing and packaging solutions for food and beverages; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food processing company in Toronto is seeking an Automation Project Leader to drive automation projects across North America. Responsibilities include leading project execution and integrating advanced technologies. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Engineering or Automation and extensive experience in the sector. This role involves travel to customer sites and offers competitive compensation and training opportunities.

Benefits

Market-competitive compensation

Flexible working arrangements

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Fluent English communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience deploying automation systems in processing environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs such as Rockwell and Siemens.

Responsibilities

• Lead the automation scope of customer projects from pre-sales through commissioning.
• Manage project execution across budget, timeline, and quality metrics.
• Coordinate and guide automation engineers ensuring effective resource allocation.

Skills

IT Experience

Robot Programming

PMBOK

HVAC

Project Leadership

Conflict Management

Meeting Facilitation

Schedule Management

Project Management

Project Management Software

Microsoft Project

Leadership Experience

Education

University degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Electrical Automation, Mechatronics, or Software Development

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA development

MES integration

Job description

At Tetra Pak we commit to making food safe and available everywhere; and we protect whats good protecting food protecting people and protecting the planet. By doing so we touch millions of peoples lives every day.

And we need people like you to make it happen.

We empower you to reach your potential with opportunities to make an impact to be proud of for food people and the planet.

Job Summary

As a global leader in food processing and packaging Tetra Pak delivers world‑class cutting‑edge solutions that help ensure food safety and quality across the globe. Our portfolio spans advanced technologies and services that drive innovation and support our customers in optimizing performance, reducing environmental impact and meeting the ever‑changing needs of the food industry. But beyond the solutions we design it's the people behind them who make the difference—talented professionals driven by purpose, innovation and a shared commitment to protecting whats good.

As an Automation Project Leader you will be part of this mission by leading automation projects across North America that enable our customers to deliver safe, high‑quality food efficiently and sustainably. You will integrate advanced automation technologies into complex processing systems ensuring seamless operations from design to commissioning. Your leadership will not only ensure project success but also strengthen customer trust and operational excellence, helping Tetra Pak and its partners reduce environmental impact, improve food safety and shape the future of sustainable food production.

This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports focused on leading the automation scope of project and will report to the Team Leader Automation Engineering.

You will be required to travel across U.S. and Canada 35% of your time to our customer sites for commissioning and startup activities.

The position would be based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Tetra Pak does not offer visa or relocation support for this position.

What you will do

• Lead the automation scope of customer projects from pre‑sales through commissioning ensuring alignment with project goals and customer expectations.
• Manage project execution across budget, timeline and quality metrics using structured project management methodologies.
• Coordinate and guide automation engineers ensuring effective resource allocation and technical excellence.
• Act as the primary automation contact for customers, maintaining strong relationships and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Engage with internal stakeholders including Account Managers, Project Managers and Engineering Teams to align priorities and resolve challenges.
• Oversee external partners such as installers and suppliers ensuring compliance with standards and smooth execution.
• Define system architecture and lead hardware / software specifications including Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) development, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) integration and electrical panel design.
• Ensure compliance with local customer electrical standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, safety risk assessments and customer training sessions.
• Contribute hands‑on when needed, supporting PLC programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and commissioning activities.

We believe you have

• A university degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Electrical Automation, Mechatronics, Software Development or equivalent.
• Fluent English communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience deploying automation systems in processing environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs such as Rockwell and Siemens and SCADA systems such as Rockwell and Ignition, including programming and commissioning.
• Solid project management skills with the ability to manage scope, cost and schedule effectively.
• Good understanding of MES virtualization technologies and industrial network integration.
• Familiarity with ISA‑88 (Batch Control) and ISA‑95 (Enterprise–Control System Integration) standards is preferred.
• Strong design skills and troubleshooting capability for electrical systems (up to 600 Volts AC) and pneumatic systems.
• Excellent technical and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide others.
• Strong positive oral and written communication skills for both internal teams and customers.

We Offer You

• A variety of exciting challenges with ample opportunities for development and training in a truly global landscape.
• A culture that pioneers a spirit of innovation where our industry experts drive visible results.
• An equal‑opportunity employment experience that values diversity and inclusion.
• Market‑competitive compensation and benefits with flexible working arrangements.

If you are inspired to be part of our promise to protect whats good; for food people and the planet apply through our careers page at job posting expires on December 072025 .

Diversity, equity and inclusion is an everyday part of how we work. We give people a place to belong and support to thrive an environment where everyone can be comfortable being themselves and has equal opportunities to grow and succeed. We embrace difference, celebrate people for who they are and for the diversity they bring that helps us better understand and connect with our customers and communities worldwide.

Required Experience

Senior IC

Key Skills

• IT Experience
• Robot Programming
• PMBOK
• HVAC
• Project Leadership
• Conflict Management
• Meeting Facilitation
• Schedule Management
• Project Management
• Project Management Software
• Microsoft Project
• Leadership Experience

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1