Automation Specialist

Canadian Executive Search Group (USA) Inc / Division of Arrow Group of Companies; London; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension plan

Vacation & personal time

Safety footwear & glasses

Job summary

Canadian Executive Search Group (USA) Inc / Division of Arrow Group of Companies seeks a skilled Controls & Automation Specialist for our Tier-1 automotive manufacturing environment in Ontario. You will drive automation projects, improve equipment performance, and support launches and maintenance teams to maximize uptime and quality.

You will apply robust knowledge of PLCs, CNCs, robotics, electrical systems, and safety standards to deliver reliable, compliant solutions across machining and

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant engineering field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years of controls & automation experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in Tier-1 automotive, heavy manufacturing, or high-volume production is valued.
• Ability to manage technical projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Identify and execute automation and controls enhancement opportunities across operations.
• Support process and project engineering during design, specifications, and launches.
• Translate requirements into equipment scopes of work and project plans.
• Manage full lifecycle of controls & automation projects from concept to handover.
• Coordinate internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure on-time delivery.
• Deliver projects within scope, budget, and quality targets.
• Mitigate risks and escalate issues as needed; maintain stakeholder communication.
• Provide maintenance support for troubleshooting and reliability improvements.
• Upgrade equipment to boost efficiency, uptime, and safety.

Skills

Automation systems

Robotics

PLCs & HMIs

CNC equipment

Electrical systems

Process optimization

Safety & compliance

Project coordination

Troubleshooting

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Controls/Automation/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

Fanuc CNC controllers

Siemens CNC controllers

SCADA systems

Ethernet networking

Electrical panel design

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Controls & Automation Specialist to join our manufacturing operations team in a dynamic Tier-1 mid/high-volume environment focused on the machining and assembly of powertrain components for large diesel engines. This critical role will take an active lead in all aspects of Controls & Automation by improving existing manufacturing equipment, supporting new equipment launches, and assisting the maintenance team when required.

About the Role

The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise in automation systems, robotics, PLCs, CNC equipment, electrical systems, and manufacturing processes. This role offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence, improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with company, safety, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to identify, prioritize, and execute automation and controls improvement opportunities across operations.
• Support Process Engineering and Project Engineering teams during process design, equipment specification, and new product launch phases.
• Translate process requirements into detailed equipment requirements and project scopes of work.
• Manage all aspects of Controls & Automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Coordinate internal teams, contractors, vendors, and external resources to ensure successful project execution.
• Deliver projects that meet scope, timing, quality, and budget expectations.
• Anticipate technical and operational risks; implement preventive and corrective actions while escalating issues when required.
• Maintain clear, regular, and relevant communication with stakeholders throughout all project phases.
• Provide technical support to the maintenance department for troubleshooting and equipment reliability improvements.
• Upgrade and optimize existing manufacturing equipment to improve efficiency, uptime, quality, and safety.
• Ensure all automation systems, machinery, and controls comply with applicable safety standards and company requirements.
• Complete organized and well-documented project handovers to affected departments.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and safe workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of Controls & Automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Tier-1 automotive, heavy manufacturing, machining, or high-volume production environments considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with assembly equipment including torque systems, presses, force/distance systems, cameras, sensors, functional testing, traceability systems, and packaging equipment.
• Strong experience with material handling systems including robotics, conveyors, and sorting systems.
• Proven experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, servos, drives, and machine safety systems.
• Hands-on electrical experience in troubleshooting, wiring, repairs, and implementation.
• Experience designing power and instrumentation electrical circuits and building physical control panels.
• Good understanding of industrial networking and Ethernet communications.
• Experience with Fanuc and Siemens CNC controllers.
• Strong understanding of CNC mechanical systems including motion axes, ATCs, APCs, hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, coolant systems, and chillers.
• Mechanical troubleshooting experience is considered a strong asset.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and machine safety standards.
• Ability to use 2D and 3D engineering design software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent coordination, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within and promote a respectful and safe team environment.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to modify and troubleshoot CNC programs.
• Knowledge of machining operations including milling, drilling, tapping, turning, honing, and grinding.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Understanding of ergonomics, safety, and sustainability principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Working knowledge of SAP.

Pay range and compensation package

• Comprehensive benefits package for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched registered pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Paid vacation and personal time to support work-life balance and rest.
• Safety footwear and prescription safety glasses reimbursement program.
• Corporate partnership discount with GoodLife Fitness to support employee health and wellness.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Supportive and collaborative workplace culture committed to employee success.
• Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and qualifications.
• Recognition of employee contribution through a positive and inclusive work environment.