Automation Technician

AltaSteel; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits & pension

OT pay 1.5x

Job summary

AltaSteel is seeking an Automation Technician in Edmonton to maximize equipment performance. You will apply industrial electrical and mechanical expertise to maintain safety, quality, and efficiency of automation systems, including HMI, PLC, and VFD assets.

The role emphasizes hands-on upgrades and continuous improvement in a fast-paced steelmaking environment. Ideal candidates will have post-secondary training in automation or electrical, plus experience with 480V systems, Wonderware HMI,

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education with an Automation or Electrical focus.
• Automation experience in industrial/manufacturing settings preferred.
• Experience with 480V equipment, VFDs, motors, hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Proficiency with communication protocols such as Profibus and Ethernet/IP.
• Hands-on experience with Wonderware HMI, Schneider PLCs and ABB VFDs.
• Good reading of mechanical/electrical drawings and code specs.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage HMI/PLC/VFD assets and ensure safety and compliance.
• Repair reliability with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support daily and long-term automation needs and downtime plans.
• Lead automation projects and maintain maintenance systems.
• Collaborate with IT to support plant automation networks.
• Mentor team members and uphold safe work practices.
• Read drawings and support equipment installations.
• Overtime paid at 1.5x and in-town work expectations.

Skills

HMI/SCADA experience

Electrical/mechanical aptitude

Strong communication

Independent work

Education

Automation or Electrical focus

Tools

Wonderware HMI

Schneider Electric PLC

ABB VFD

MS Project, Excel, Word

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.