PLC Automation Technician

Schaefer System International Limited; Calgary; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP match

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Education reimbursement

Performance bonuses

Job summary

SSI SCHAEFER is seeking an Automation Technician to provide technical support for automated material handling equipment. You will troubleshoot Siemens PLCs, sensors, actuators, and VFDs while collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams to minimize downtime.

The role emphasizes fault isolation, documentation, and independent work to meet maintenance schedules. A strong customer-facing mindset and advanced engineering education are desirable for long-term success.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience maintaining Siemens PLCs in an industrial or automated warehouse environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with Siemens PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500) and automation networks (Profinet, ASi, PROFIBUS).
• Experience reading electrical schematics and mechanical diagrams.
• Advanced degree in electrical engineering, automation technology, or related field; relevant certifications are a plus.
• Excellent communication and customer-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on Siemens PLCs (S7 series) and associated automation systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot sensors, actuators, VFDs, encoders, and related devices.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to diagnose and repair conveyor and material handling systems.
• Write detailed technical reports and document maintenance activities and outcomes.
• Escalate unresolved issues to remote technical support and coordinate troubleshooting during downtime.

Skills

Siemens PLCs (S7-1200/1500)

Troubleshooting

Electrical control systems

Schematic reading

Customer communication

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Automation

Tools

Profinet

PROFIBUS

ASi

Job description

A leading global solution provider for all sectors of intralogistics – that is us: SSI SCHAEFER. What we also are: A family business that invests in the expertise, passion and talents of its employees.

As one of the largest providers, we help our customers increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking and transport processes using innovative technologies and software. From fully automated warehouses with customized service and maintenance packages to manual and semi-automatic systems, we offer cost-effective intralogistics solutions from a single source. Moreover, we are now a leading provider of software for internal material flow.

SSI SCHAEFER: 8,600 people that work in 80 operating companies and 7 production sites worldwide and impress customers from all sectors with customized intralogistics solutions.

If you are also looking for an attractive employer to work with on a long-term basis, then simply get to know us!

Position Overview:

The Automation Technician provides technical support for automated material handling equipment in warehouses and distribution centers, using complex troubleshooting and problem solving with an array of technical tools.

Essential Functions:

• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on Siemens PLC (S7 series) and associated automation systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot control line devices such as:
  • Sensors: Proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, temperature sensors, and load cells.
  • Actuators: Pneumatic and electric actuators, solenoid valves, and motorized systems (such as conveyors and rollers).
  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Monitor and adjust variable frequency drives that control the speed of conveyor belts and other motorized equipment.
  • Feedback Devices: Encoders, limit switches, and position sensors for real-time monitoring of conveyor system status.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to diagnose and repair problems affecting conveyor belts, sortation systems, and automated pallet handling equipment.
• Review technical documentation to deepen understanding of system architecture and gain expertise by working collaboratively with senior engineers and technicians.
• Ensure continuous operation of material handling systems by responding to mechanical and electrical faults and minimizing downtime.
• Provide excellent customer service by communicating effectively with clients and internal teams to resolve operational issues.
• Manage time effectively and work independently to meet maintenance schedules and operational objectives.
• Perform root cause analysis of recurring or critical system issues, document findings, and support the implementation of long-term solutions to prevent similar problems from recurring in the future.
• Write detailed technical reports on maintenance activities, system performance, and problem resolution to ensure proper documentation and communication.
• Escalate unresolved issues to remote technical support teams, actively collaborating with them to coordinate troubleshooting and resolution during critical system downtime.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience maintaining Siemens PLCs and associated control systems in an industrial or automated warehouse environment.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong troubleshooting skills with Siemens PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500) and associated automation networks (Profinet, ASi, PROFIBUS).
  • Familiarity with control loop components such as sensors, actuators, and feedback devices used in conveyor and material handling systems.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and maintain variable frequency drives (VFDs) and motor control systems.
  • Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings, electrical schematics, and mechanical diagrams
• Education: Advanced degree in electrical engineering, automation technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications are an advantage.
• Skills and Qualities:
  • Initiative and problem-solving skills, with a focus on system reliability.
  • Positive attitude and effective communication skills, particularly in customer-facing situations.
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet performance expectations with minimal supervision.

Other Considerations

• This is a customer-facing position, so interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• The position requires the ability to work independently, ensuring system availability and operational efficiency.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive compensation plan
• Excellent performance bonuses
• RRSP match
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (all premium costs paid by us!)
• Educational reimbursement
• Work-life balance
• Safe work environment
• Discount programs and referral incentives
• Excellent opportunities for internal growth

Want to know more about us?

As the leading provider of intralogistics solutions, SSI SCHAEFER is always looking for dedicated employees who would like to shape the future of intralogistics with us. Our product spectrum ranges from highly dynamic storage and logistics systems to state-of-the-art workshop, company and office equipment to innovative products for waste engineering and recycling.

SSI SCHAEFER developed all of the products and solutions with the passion and expertise of many people. That is why employee satisfaction is so important to us and why we value your dedication. Please visit https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-ca

Our organization will, on request, provide accommodations for disabilities to support your participation in all aspects of our Recruitment Process.