Industrial Automation Engineering Student

Canadian Natural Resources Limited; Hamlet of Lac la Biche; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary/Edmonton

Relocation assistance under policy

Safety training and PPE

Job summary

Canadian Natural Resources Limited seeks a Automation Engineering Student for a 12-month placement in Lac La Biche, AB. You will support Emerson DeltaV DCS, PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, develop interfaces, and contribute to process improvements in a hands-on environment.

You will gain exposure to industrial networking, cybersecurity principles, and engineering documentation. The role is safety sensitive and requires full-time availability during the term, with Fly-In/Fly-Out options from Calgary

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Electrical, Computer, Software, Digital Systems, Mechatronics preferred.
• Interest in automation, controls, programming, data analytics or process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Support development, testing, and maintenance of DeltaV HMI graphics and operator interfaces.
• Collaborate with Emerson DeltaV DCS, PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to understand monitoring and control.
• Develop, test, and maintain operator interfaces and graphics to improve usability.
• Participate in automation projects to improve reliability, efficiency, and performance.
• Analyze process data to identify trends and support troubleshooting.

Skills

DCS DeltaV

HMI graphics

PLC

Data analysis

Python

C#

SQL

PowerShell

Industrial networking

Cybersecurity basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related)

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Job description

Job Description

The Opportunity:

Are you an engineering student who enjoys solving problems, working with technology, and seeing the real-world impact of your work? Our Industrial Automation Engineering Student role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting the systems that monitor and control large-scale thermal operations.

Working alongside experienced automation professionals, you will contribute to process control improvements, operator interface development, data analysis, and automation projects that help improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our facilities. You will gain exposure to Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), industrial networking, and modern digital tools while developing a strong understanding of how industrial processes operate.

Whether you are interested in automation, controls, software, data analytics, or process optimization, this role provides an opportunity to apply your technical skills in a dynamic operating environment and gain practical experience with systems that drive real-world production.

• Job location: Lac La Biche, Alberta – Kirby North and South Operations, AB
• Shift schedule: 8 days on, 6 days off
• Term length: 12 months
• Term start: May 2027
• Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities:

• Support the development, testing, and maintenance of Emerson DeltaV HMI graphics and operator interfaces to
• Work directly with Emerson DeltaV DCS, PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to understand how industrial processes are monitored and controlled
• Support the development, enhancement, testing, and maintenance of operator interfaces and HMI graphics to improve usability and operational effectiveness
• Participate in automation projects that improve process reliability, efficiency, and operational performance
• Analyze process and equipment data to identify trends, support troubleshooting efforts, and assist with continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with control system configuration, testing, and implementation activities under the guidance of experienced automation engineers and technologists
• Support ongoing DCS and HMI modernization initiatives, including graphics migration and system enhancements
• Develop reports, tools, scripts, or dashboards that improve engineering workflows and support operational decision-making
• Gain exposure to industrial networking concepts, cybersecurity principles, and automation system architecture
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, process engineering, and automation teams to deliver effective solutions
• Maintain automation, cybersecurity, and engineering documentation in accordance with corporate standards and industry best practices

What You Bring to The Role:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Electrical, Computer, Software, Digital Systems, Mechatronics preferred, all other engineering disciplines will be considered
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning how software, hardware, and industrial processes work together in a complex operating environment
• Coursework or experience related to automation, controls, programming, data analytics, process systems, or engineering design
• Familiarity with programming or scripting languages such as C#, Python, SQL, or PowerShell is considered an asset
• Interest in data analysis, visualization, and using technology to improve processes and workflows
• Exposure to industrial networking concepts, operating systems, or cybersecurity principles is considered an asset
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Mechanical and/or electrical aptitude with a desire to learn how automation systems support industrial operations
• Valid Class 5 Alberta driver's license or equivalent provincial license
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening

What We Offer:

• Qualitycamp facilities with multiple amenities available
• Safety training certifications and PPE covered
• Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
• Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Student Relocation Policy. Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term.
• Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community

All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

About Us

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment.

Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d.

Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

• Locations Kirby North and South Operations, AB