Controls Engineer (Contract or Full-Time)

Nix Sensor; Barrie; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expense coverage

Job summary

VOLCANIX AUTOMATION seeks experienced Controls Engineers to support Tier 1 automotive projects across Canada, the USA, and Mexico. The role blends on-site production support with offline/remote programming, requiring travel and desk-based development through project phases.

You will program and troubleshoot PLCs, integrate with robots and safety devices, and ensure adherence to customer standards. Travel across North America is essential; relocation is possible for project phases.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience within the automotive automation industry (OEM or Tier 1)
• Engineering or technical degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC systems
• Support production launches, cycle-time improvements, and downtime reduction
• Integrate PLC-controlled systems with robots and safety devices
• Work with welding systems (spot, projection, MIG, and adhesive application)
• Perform system validation, buy-offs, and customer acceptance tests
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues on-site
• Assist with robotic equipment commissioning and debug where required
• Collaborate with controls, robotics, mechanical, and production team

Skills

Strong PLC programming

Allen-Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000)

Mitsubishi (GX Works)

Industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, IO‑L

Follow customer-specific programming**

Tools

RSLogix/Studio 5000

GX Works

EtherNet/IP

Job description

VOLCANIX AUTOMATION is seeking experienced industrial automation Controls Engineers to support Tier 1 automotive projects across Canada, USA, and Mexico. Our client is based in the Greater Barrie, Ontario region, so candidates should be within commuting distance or willing to temporarily relocate for project phases.

This role covers automotive automation systems including robotic welding cells, material handling, and general assembly. Work is split between on-site support in demanding production environments and offline/remote programming phases, so there's a mix of travel and desk-based development depending on the project stage. You'll support power-on, integrations, commisioning and troubleshooting. Note that projects follow strict customer PLC and robotics standards, and in some cases pre-approved code templates you'll be expected to work within.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC systems
• Support production launches, cycle-time improvements, and downtime reduction
• Integrate PLC-controlled systems with robots and safety devices
• Work with welding systems (spot, projection, MIG, and adhesive application)
• Perform system validation, buy-offs, and customer acceptance tests
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues on-site
• Assist with robotic equipment commissioning and debug where required
• Collaborate with controls, robotics, mechanical, and production team
  

Required Skills

Controls Engineering:

• Strong PLC programming experience
• Platforms:
  • Allen-Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000)
  • Mitsubishi (GX Works)
• Experience with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, IO Link)
• Ability to follow mature, customer-specific programming standards

Mandatory Requirements

• 4+ years of experiencewithin the automotive automation industry (OEM or Tier 1)

Preferred Experience

• OEM experience (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Tesla)
• Tier 1 automotive suppliers
• Automotive automation processes: spot welding, projection welding, MIG welding, adhesive/dispensing, material handling, and general assembly
• Vision systems and error proofing (EPP)
• Robot integration experience (FANUC, ABB, NACHI) an asset
  

General Requirements

• Willingness to travel for on-site project phases across North America & Mexico (travel varies by project stage, with lighter periods during offline/remote programming)
• Ability to work independently on customer sites
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Engineering or technical degree preferred

Work Authorization

We welcome candidates who are:

• Independent Contractor
• Eligible for TN Visa
• Eligible for Canadian Work Permit
  
• Authorized to work and travel across North America & Mexico

Additional Information

• Travel and work-related expenses will be covered by the company