Controls Programmer

McCain Foods; Grand Falls Regional Municipality; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

McCain Foods (Canada) seeks a Controls Programmer to join our Fry Plant in Grand Falls, NB. The role requires an Industrial Electrician licence and likely dual-trade with Instrumentation Technician; you will program PLCs, troubleshoot electrical issues, and support 12-hour shift patterns with possible nights and weekends.

You will design and Commission plant electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and networks.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Industrial Electrician licence; dual-trade certification as an Instrumentation Technician is a strong asset.
• Expert-level knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and the Rockwell Automation software suite, with hands-on programming experience.
• Strong knowledge of industrial communication and controls networking principles with hands-on design and troubleshooting experience.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate complex work with cross-functional teams.
• Self-directed, proactive, and able to learn new technologies independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide design, configuration, programming, start-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting for plant electrical, instrumentation, and control systems (PLCs, HMIs).
• Work with engineering on capital project planning and asset reliability assessments.
• Collaborate with Project Managers on site acceptance testing and commissioning activities.
• Assist maintenance and production personnel in resolving electrical and control issues.
• Communicate emergency repair issues clearly with actions and required support.
• Provide after-hours diagnostic support on a standby rotation as needed.

Skills

Industrial Electrician

Instrumentation Technician

Allen-Bradley PLC

Rockwell Software

Industrial Networking

Team Collaboration

Safety Mindset

Clear Communica­tion

Tools

Rockwell Automation Software

Job description

Grand Falls, NB In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences —together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

Position Title: Controls Programmer

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Requisition ID: 44731

Controls Programmer

Grand Falls, NB In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences —together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About The Role

McCain Foods (Canada) is seeking a Controls Programmer to join our Fry Plant in Grand Falls, NB. This position requires a valid Industrial Electrician license: dual-trade certification as an Instrumentation Technician is a strong asset. The successful candidate will program and/or assist in the programming of plants PLC's and troubleshoot various electrical/communication issues that arise. This can be a physically demanding role requiring 12-hour shifts schedule with the possibility of working nights and weekends. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide design, configuration, programming, start-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting services for plant electrical, instrumentation and control systems such as

• PLCs (hardware, software, and HMIs)
• VFDs (variable frequency drives)
• control and communication networks
• optical sorting equipment
• motors and motor control centres
• instrumentation systems, including sensors, transmitters, control valves, and related field devices
• Work with engineering on the development of the five-year strategic capital plan by assessing controls, electrical, and instrumentation assets and recommending projects based on obsolescence, reliability, operational risk, performance, and long-term business needs
• Collaborate with Capital Project Managers with site acceptance testing and commissioning activities
• Assist maintenance and production personnel in resolving electrical, instrumentation and controls issues
• Communicate emergency repair issues clearly and promptly, including the problem, actions taken, and support required
• Willingness to provide occasional after-hours diagnostic and troubleshooting support, including evenings and weekends (“standby rotation schedule”).

What You’ll Need To Be Successful

• Must hold a valid Industrial Electrician licence; dual-trade certification as an Instrumentation Technician is considered a strong asset
• Expert-level knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and the Rockwell Automation software suite, supported by extensive hands‑on programming and troubleshooting experience
• Expert-level knowledge of industrial communication and controls networking principles, supported by extensive hands‑on design, configuration, and troubleshooting experience
• Demonstrated strength in planning, prioritizing, organizing, and coordinating complex work in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Highly self‑directed, accountable, and proactive, with a strong capacity to master new technologies and apply learning independently
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and influence effective decisions
• Exceptional attention to detail, situational awareness, and sound judgment in identifying risks, diagnosing issues, and determining appropriate action

Safety Requirements

• Knowledge of CSA electrical code and Arc Flash Safety requirements with demonstrated ability to interpret standards and apply them to industrial controls
• Demonstrate visible safety leadership by consistently applying Lockout/Tagout procedures and all McCain safety policies, using appropriate PPE, proactively identifying and correcting hazards, and reinforcing safe work practices with employees and contractors
• Complete thorough Job Safety Plans and job‑site hazard assessments
• Actively contribute technical expertise during safety talks
• Follow GMPs and HACCP protocols. Ensure all controls, electrical, and maintenance activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP food‑safety procedures
• Follow McCain Environmental Management System (EMS) Programs

About McCain

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain Experience

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

Compensation Package

Starting at 27.27 CAD hourly + Bonus eligibility + Hourly Pay Differential for applicable shifts

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Benefits

At McCain, we’re on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well‑being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well‑being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support including medical, family and bereavement. Well‑being programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role. Additional benefit details are available during the application process.

Your well‑being matters to us, and we’re here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work — and at home.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family‑owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know, and we’ll work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.

Job Family: Manufacturing; Engineering & Technical

Location(s): CA - Canada : New Brunswick : Grand Falls

Company: McCain Foods (Canada)