Control Systems Project Engineer

Willowglen Systems; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Willowglen Systems seeks a Project Engineer to lead PLC/automation efforts across complex multisystem projects. You will design, program, test, and commission control solutions, interfacing with clients and vendors to ensure safe, compliant operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on PLC development, FAT/SAT execution, and field start-up with a focus on safety-critical environments. A strong engineering background and leadership are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on PLC/automation engineering experience.
• Experience with Safety PLCs and safety-related control systems.
• Proven experience with PLC programming, detailed design, shop drawings, FAT/SAT, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI integration and industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP/RTU, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and IEC 61850.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, or similar design tools is an asset.
• Experience in rail, transit, industrial automation, or other safety-critical environments is preferred.
• P.Eng. designation or eligibility for registration in Canada is preferred.
• Experience with Schneider Electric Modicon M380/M580, OTE, and Control Expert is an asset.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, documentation, and project coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC and Safety PLC systems.
• Develop PLC control logic, sequences, interlocks, permissives, alarms, and safety functions.
• Work with Schneider Electric Modicon M380/M580, OTE and Control Expert.
• Prepare and update PLC/control panel shop drawings, schematics, wiring and termination drawings, I/O lists, and cable schedules.
• Configure PLC hardware, I/O, remote I/O, and industrial communication networks.
• Develop and execute FAT/SAT procedures, test plans, and test documentation.
• Perform hands-on PLC testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and start-up at site.
• Integrate PLC systems with SCADA/HMI and other control systems.
• Develop and maintain functional specifications, control narratives, Cause & Effect matrices, and commissioning documentation.
• Work directly with clients, vendors, panel builders, technicians, and other engineering disciplines to resolve technical issues.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure engineering deliverables comply with project requirements, applicable standards, and quality requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Problem-solving

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Automation/Controls

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Schneider Electric Modicon M380/M580

Control Expert

SCADA/HMI integration

Job description

Location

Location: Edmonton / Calgary / GTA

Work Arrangement: In-office / Hybrid / Remote

Our Company

Willowglen Systems is a leading industrial automation company that provides innovative solutions for various industries, including rail, oil and gas, rail, and energy. Our teams specialize in designing, integrating, and commissioning complex operational technologies including control systems, communications networks, and safety-critical infrastructure. We are committed to innovation and continuous improvement, and we are looking for a Project Engineer to join our team and drive our complex multidisciplinary projects to success.

Position Summary

The Project Engineer provides technical leadership and oversight for assigned work packages, ensuring integrated, compliant, and operable solutions. This role requires strong hands-on experience in industrial automation and control systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for the complete PLC engineering lifecycle, from detailed design and programming through FAT, site testing, commissioning, and handover. This is a hands-on technical role. The incumbent will independently develop PLC programs, prepare shop drawings, configure PLC hardware and I/O, perform testing and troubleshooting, and support field commissioning. The role suits an individual with a breadth of technical experience and the ability to dive into the details to drive effective results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC and Safety PLC systems.
• Develop PLC control logic, sequences, interlocks, permissives, alarms, and safety functions.
• Work with Schneider Electric Modicon M380/M580, OTE and Control Expert.
• Prepare and update PLC/control panel shop drawings, schematics, wiring and termination drawings, I/O lists, and cable schedules.
• Configure PLC hardware, I/O, remote I/O, and industrial communication networks.
• Develop and execute FAT/SAT procedures, test plans, and test documentation.
• Perform hands-on PLC testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and start-up at site.
• Integrate PLC systems with SCADA/HMI and other control systems.
• Develop and maintain functional specifications, control narratives, Cause & Effect matrices, and commissioning documentation.
• Work directly with clients, vendors, panel builders, technicians, and other engineering disciplines to resolve technical issues.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure engineering deliverables comply with project requirements, applicable standards, and quality requirements.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on PLC/automation engineering experience.
• Experience with Safety PLCs and safety-related control systems.
• Proven experience with PLC programming, detailed design, shop drawings, FAT/SAT, testing, and commissioning.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI integration and industrial communication protocols such as Modbus TCP/RTU, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and IEC 61850.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, or similar design tools is an asset.
• Experience in rail, transit, industrial automation, or other safety-critical environments is preferred.
• P.Eng. designation or eligibility for registration in Canada is preferred.
• Experience with Schneider Electric Modicon M380/M580, OTE, and Control Expert is an asset.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, documentation, and project coordination skills.

Why Join Us?

Are you up for the challenge? Join Our Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JWHLsToaxE

Our Mission

Willowglen's mission is to be a global leader in delivering visionary, customer-driven industrial automation solutions.

Our Values

Respectful - We take the time to listen and understand each other, and this fosters feelings of mutual trust, safety, camaraderie, and well‑being.

Agile - We are a customer-centric, responsive, and collaborative organization. We are quick to learn, adapt and respond to changing circumstances.

Innovative - We value and support innovation thereby allowing people to be innovative. We are always striving to deliver superior solutions.

Willowglen Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We thank all the applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by our recruitment team. If you require accommodation, please reach out to our hiring team and we will work with you to find reasonable solutions.