Electrical Controls/Automation Engineer or Technologist

WhiteWater West; Richmond; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WhiteWater West in Richmond, BC is seeking an Electrical Controls/Automation Engineer or Technologist to own the design, delivery, and commissioning of ride control systems across global projects. You will lead PLC/HMI development, ensure functional safety, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver buildable, right-first-time solutions in a fast-paced, safety-conscious environment.

This on-site role requires frequent international travel and a strong background in Siemens TIA

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Mechatronics preferred).
• 4-6 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• EIT an asset (must be or eligible for EGBC).
• Strong experience in PLC programming, system integration, and commissioning.
• Proficiency with Siemens TIA Portal and industrial automation systems; PROFINET, PROFIsafe, Ethernet/IP, Modbus.
• Solid understanding of functional safety design and validation (ISO 13849, SISTEMA).
• Experience with electrical installation, schematics, and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver robust, safety-compliant control systems for complex ride installations.
• Lead PLC/HMI development and control system architecture (IEC 61131-3, Siemens TIA Portal).
• Own functional safety design and validation, including risk assessment and ISO 13849 compliance.
• Ensure right-first-time design and commissioning, minimizing rework and field defects.
• Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer handover on global project sites.
• Support bid and proposal development with cost-effective, buildable control solutions.
• Drive standardization and reuse of control architectures across ride platforms.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Project Execution, Product, and Supply Chain to deliver on time.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, company standards, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Siemens TIA Portal

PLC programming

System integration

Commissioning

Industrial networks

IEC 61131-3

ISO 13849

AutoCAD

Electrical installation

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Mechatronics background

Tools

AutoCAD

TIA Portal

Job description

WhiteWater makes products, but we are a service business at our heart, which means we are a people business. In this way, we excel and create value for our clients by listening to their needs, collaborating to develop solutions, problem-solving and attending to the details. Our culture, as you would expect, reflects these traits. We are a diverse group of experts, from creative designers to talented engineers. Whatever expertise we bring from all over the world, we listen and learn from each other because we are aligned with a clearly understood purpose. Together, we create fun for families globally.

Position

Electrical Controls/Automation Engineer or Technologist

Shift

Full-Time, 40 hours a week (4 days on-site)

Salary

80,000-100,000

Department

Engineering- Mechatronics

Location

Richmond, BC, Canada (HQ relocating to Vancouver in 2027)

Reports To

Mechatronics Controls Team Lead

Purpose

Own the design, delivery, and commissioning of ride control systems that improve safety, reduce project lead times, and ensure consistent, right-first-time execution across global projects.

This role bridges engineering design and project delivery, ensuring that control systems are technically sound, buildable, reliable, and commercially competitive.

Essential Responsibilities

• Design and deliver robust, safety-compliant control systems for complex ride installations.
• Lead PLC/HMI development and control system architecture (IEC 61131-3, Siemens TIA Portal).
• Own functional safety design and validation, including risk assessment and ISO 13849 compliance.
• Ensure right-first-time design and commissioning, minimizing rework and field defects.
• Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer handover on global project sites.
• Support bid and proposal development with cost-effective, buildable control solutions.
• Drive standardization and reuse of control architectures across ride platforms.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Project Execution, Product, and Supply Chain to deliver on time.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, company standards, and regulatory requirements.

What Success Looks Like

• Electrical system design (75%) and PLC programming completed according to defined project scope and schedule
• Systems commissioned (25%) on schedule with minimal rework
• Reduced controls-related defects and field issues
• Faster startup and smoother customer handover
• Increased reuse of standardized control solutions
• Positive customer feedback during installation and commissioning

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Mechatronics preferred)
• 4-6 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• EIT an asset (must be or eligible for registration with EGBC).
• Strong experience in PLC programming, system integration, and commissioning
• Proficiency with:
• • Siemens TIA Portal and industrial automation systems
  • Industrial networks (PROFINET, PROFIsafe, Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
  • IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder, FBD, Structured Text)
• Solid understanding of functional safety design and validation (ISO 13849, SISTEMA)
• Experience with electrical installation, system design, schematics, and AutoCAD
• Strong troubleshooting capability across software, hardware, and networked systems
• Experience working with international standards and regulators is an asset

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Ownership mindset with accountability for end-to-end system delivery
• Execution-focused, balancing engineering rigor with delivery timelines
• Field-ready and effective under commissioning pressure
• Maintain a proactive, do what is necessary approach to achieve client success
• Customer-facing with strong professional presence on-site
• Structured thinker who develops scalable, repeatable solutions

Travel Requirements (Critical)

• Frequent international travel required
• On-site assignments of 2-3+ weeks for installation, commissioning, and support
• Must be able to travel globally without restriction

Whitewater Competencies

• Accountability - We do what we say
• Collaboration - We work well together
• Customer Focus - We know and respond to our customers
• Communication - We listen to and understand each other
• Authenticity - We are honest and trust each other
• Resilience - We deal effectively with pressure, are persistent and optimistic
• Flexibility & Adaptability - We are willing and able to respond to changing circumstance