Controls Engineer

Engineering Search Firm Inc.; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Unknown company is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Control Engineer to design, program, test and commission VFD control panels and automation systems for industrial applications. The role emphasizes hands-on execution, system integration, and collaboration with production, customers and sales teams.

The position is 100% on-site at the Mississauga office with travel to customer sites as needed. Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years of automation experience and a P.Eng. designation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering or related technical discipline.
• P.Eng. designation required.
• 3–5 years of direct experience in industrial automation, control panel design, or VFD system integration.

Responsibilities

• Design detailed electrical schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs for VFD control panels.
• Program PLCs and HMIs for industrial automation.
• Configure and parametrize VFDs for pumps, fans, conveyors and more.
• Lead FAT and troubleshoot wiring, programming and control issues.
• Support commissioning, start-up, and system validation at customer sites.

Skills

Industrial motor control theory

VFDs

Harmonic mitigation

Power distribution (MV/LV)

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation

Tools

ABB

Siemens

Rockwell Automation

EPLAN

Job description

A leading industrial automation and control systems organization is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Control Engineer to join its engineering team. This role is responsible for designing, programming, testing, and commissioning Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) control panels and automation systems for a wide range of industrial applications.

The successful candidate will take ownership of mid-to-large-scale engineering projects, working independently while collaborating closely with production, engineering, customers, and the outside sales team to deliver reliable, high-quality automation solutions. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on technical work, system integration, and solving complex industrial automation challenges.

This is a full-time, 100% on‑site position based at the company's Mississauga office. Hybrid or work‑from‑home arrangements are not available.

• Salary: $75,000 – $95,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
• Overtime paid for customer site visits after the standard work week (40 or 44 hours per week, to be confirmed)
• Business travel expenses covered, including meals and relative expenses
• Mileage reimbursement at $0.60/km for approved customer visits
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging automation projects with a well‑established engineering team

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Design

Design detailed electrical schematics, panel layouts, and bills of materials (BOMs) for standard and custom VFD control panels.

Develop electrical designs using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or equivalent engineering software.

Ensure designs comply with customer specifications, industry standards, and applicable electrical codes.

Programming & System Configuration

• Program PLCs and HMIs for industrial automation applications.
• Configure and parameterize Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for applications including pumps, fans, conveyors, and other industrial equipment.
• Develop reliable automation solutions that meet varying operational and performance requirements.

Network Integration

• Configure and integrate industrial communication networks, including:
  • EtherNet/IP
  • Ensure seamless communication between drives, PLCs, HMIs, and other control devices.

Testing & Compliance

• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for completed control panels and systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical wiring, programming, and control system issues.
• Verify compliance with applicable standards such as UL 508A, CSA, CE, and other relevant industry regulations.

Production Support

• Provide technical guidance and support to manufacturing and assembly teams.
• Resolve design, component, and production-related issues during panel fabrication.
• Assist in improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Supervise and/or perform equipment commissioning at customer facilities as required.
• Support system start‑up, testing, troubleshooting, and performance validation.
• Ensure successful project completion and customer acceptance.
• Work directly with customers to understand project requirements and translate operational needs into engineering solutions.
• Provide technical assistance, troubleshooting, and post-installation support.
• Work closely with the outside sales team to support customer projects and technical inquiries.
• Maintain strong customer relationships through professional communication and responsive service.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is required.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of direct experience in industrial automation, control panel design, or Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system integration.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of:

• Industrial motor control theory
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Harmonic mitigation techniques
• Medium- and low-voltage power distribution

• Experience programming PLCs and HMIs using platforms such as ABB, Siemens, Rockwell Automation, or equivalent industrial control platforms.
• Proficiency using EPLAN or comparable electrical design software.
• Knowledge of load calculations, fault detection, electrical protection systems, and control methodologies for medium- and low-voltage VFD applications.
• Strong troubleshooting skills involving industrial automation and electrical control systems.

Professional Skills

• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineering, production, customers, and the sales team.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Travel Requirements

• Primarily based at the Mississauga office five days per week.
• Occasional travel to customer sites is required, typically within the Greater Toronto Area and throughout Ontario, with occasional travel to Quebec.
• Expected travel is approximately 10–20%, depending on project requirements.

Core Competencies

• Ethics & Integrity – Conducts work with honesty, professionalism, fairness, and respect while maintaining confidentiality and building trust.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Strategic Thinking – Understands organizational objectives and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Action Orientation – Demonstrates initiative and proactively solves technical challenges.
• Continuous Learning – Pursues ongoing professional development and embraces new technologies.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Works effectively with engineering, production, and sales teams while fostering a collaborative workplace.
• Results Orientation – Delivers high-quality work while meeting project schedules and customer expectations.
• Safety & Well-Being – Promotes a safe work environment by following established safety procedures and supporting workplace well-being.