Automation Technician

AltaSteel Inc.; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits and pension

Job summary

AltaSteel Inc. is seeking an Automation Technician to maximize equipment utilization and performance in the steelmaking department.

You will bring hands-on mechanical and electrical expertise on HMI’s, PLC’s, VFD’s, and data historians, ensuring safety and quality while driving continuous improvement. The role involves leading upgrades, managing automation projects, and developing maintenance systems with a strong emphasis on downtime reduction and reliability.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education with automation/electrical focus; eng/tech considered.
• Automation experience in industrial/manufacturing settings preferred.
• Proficiency with electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage HMI’s (Wonderware), PLC’s (Schneider Electric), and VFD’s (ABB).
• Ensure reliability and timely repair of critical automation equipment.
• Develop and maintain automation maintenance systems and preventive maintenance programs.
• Mentor team members and enforce safe work practices.

Skills

Automation experience

Wonderware HMI

Schneider PLC

ABB VFD

Electrical systems

Education

Post-secondary automation/electrical focus

Engineering/Engineering Technologist background

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Word

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Reporting to the Director, Maintenance and Engineering, the Automation Technician works as part of a team to maximize equipment utilization, efficiency, and performance, while providing industrial, electrical, and mechanical expertise. The Automation Technician is responsible for maintaining safety, quality, efficiency, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives related to HMI’s, PLC’s, VFD’s, and the data historian within the steelmaking department.

The successful candidate will identify and lead upgrades, and manage the resources required to maintain and improve automation systems, using proven hands‑on, advanced mechanical and electrical experience and knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage HMI’s (Wonderware), PLC’s (Schneider Electric), and VFD’s (ABB), ensuring compliance with all company and legislated safety codes and practices.
• Accountable for the reliability and timely repair of critical automation equipment, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions to drive continuous improvement.
• Support daily and long-term automation needs, including timely repairs, execution of down-day plans, and corrective action on equipment failures.
• Manage and lead automation-related projects
• Develop and maintain automation maintenance systems, procedures, preventive maintenance, and condition-based maintenance programs.
• Apply knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and automated equipment, including 480VAC systems, PLC’s, HMI’s, and VFD’s.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and develop initiatives to address them.
• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings and electrical code specifications to support industrial equipment installations.
• Collaborate with the Information Technology team to maintain network infrastructure supporting plant automation systems.
• Manage control interlock bypasses and ensure their timely restoration.
• Mentor team members and enforce safe work practices

Qualifications and Skills

• Post‑secondary education with an Automation or Electrical focus. Engineering, Engineering Technologist, or demonstrated equivalent competency will be considered.
• Automation experience within an industrial or manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with low‑voltage equipment (480V), VFDs, motors, heat trace, control valves, and instrumentation.
• Proficiency with communication protocols such as Profibus, Ethernet/IP, HART, and similar systems.
• Hands‑on experience with HMI’s (Wonderware), PLC’s (Schneider Electric), and VFD’s (ABB).
• Experience with pumps, fans, conveyors, hydraulics, pneumatics, and other electromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of MS Project, Excel, and Word.
• Eagerness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sound judgment and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines.
• Positive, team‑oriented attitude.
• Monday to Friday, 8-hour days (7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
• In-town work
• Overtime paid at 1.5x
• Competitive benefits and pension packages
• Fast‑paced work environment
• Pre‑Employment Criminal Background check and zero tolerance Alcohol & Drug test is required.

This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.