PLC Programmer / Automation Controls Specialist

Kellow Recruiting; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Kellow Recruiting partners with a Canadian leader in process engineering and automation, seeking a PLC Programmer / Automation Controls Specialist for the Greater Toronto Area.

You will design, program, test, and commission PLC/HMI systems on site at manufacturing facilities, traveling to customer sites across the GTA, with a hands-on role and direct collaboration with process designers and electricians.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in PLC programming, industrial automation, controls, commissioning, and systems integration.
• Strong experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites across the GTA and work at manufacturing sites.

Responsibilities

• Program PLC and HMI for automated processing and production equipment.
• Integrate PLC controls with drives, motors, valves, sensors, relays, and instrumentation.
• Test, startup, and optimize systems with customers.
• Work hands-on at customer sites and collaborate with project teams.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Controls

Commissioning

Systems integration

5+ years experience

Tools

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs & HMIs

VFDs

Instrumentation

Job description

About the job PLC Programmer / Automation Controls Specialist

Food & Beverage Process Automation

Location: Greater Toronto Area
Work Environment: Home-Based & Customer Sites
Compensation: $90,000–$115,000 + Benefits

The Company

Kellow Recruiting is partnering with a Canadian leader in process engineering and industrial automation.

Since the 1990s, this company has built an outstanding reputation helping some of Canada's most recognized food, beverage, and dairy manufacturers improve and automate their production processes.

Today, they have a strong technical team of:

• Process Designers
• Electrical Specialists
• Automation Experts

Their strength lies in supporting the entire automation lifecycle:

Consultation Process Design 2D & 3D Modelling Mechanical & Electrical Engineering PLC & HMI Programming Systems Integration Commissioning Optimization

They don't simply provide engineering resources or deliver a design and walk away. They work alongside customers to design, build, integrate, and optimize production systems that perform reliably in active manufacturing environments.

Where You Fit

Every project begins with understanding the customer's production process.

The design team develops the process flow, equipment layout, and physical system. You'll then interpret that design and develop the controls that tell the equipment what to do.

From PLC and HMI programming through integration, commissioning, and optimization, you'll help transform a process design into a fully functioning automated production system.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing position. You'll work primarily at manufacturing sites across the GTA, collaborating with customers, process designers, electricians, engineers, and project team members while representing the company professionally.

How You'll Make It Work

Program the System

Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs for automated processing and production equipment.

Bring Everything Together

Integrate PLC controls with:

• Drives
• Motors
• Valves
• Sensors
• Relays
• Instrumentation

Interpret process designs, electrical drawings, and operating requirements while supporting:

• Testing
• Startup
• System optimization

Partner With the Customer

Work directly with:

• Operators
• Maintenance teams
• Customer representatives

You'll help diagnose problems, implement solutions, and improve system performance.

Own the Outcome

Work independently, document changes, manage priorities, and see assignments through to successful operation.

What We Need From You

Experience

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in:
  • PLC programming
  • Industrial automation
  • Controls
  • Commissioning
  • Systems integration

Technical Proficiency

Strong experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, along with practical knowledge of:

• Electrical controls
• VFDs
• Motors
• Relays
• Sensors
• Valves
• Instrumentation

The Right Mindset

We're looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who is comfortable:

• Working independently
• Taking ownership
• Solving technical problems
• Managing priorities
• Communicating effectively with customers and colleagues

Additional Requirements

Experience in any of the following industries is a strong asset:

• Food
• Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Packaging
• Process manufacturing

You'll also need:

• A valid driver's licence
• Reliable transportation
• Flexibility to travel to customer sites throughout the GTA
• Flexibility to work variable hours during critical commissioning and startup periods

What You Get Out of This

This is an opportunity to expand your expertise beyond programming alone.

You'll participate in the complete automation lifecycle and gain exposure to how:

Process Design + Electrical Controls + Mechanical Systems + Programming + Integration + Commissioning

come together to create functioning production systems.

You'll learn from an established team of experienced technical professionals, contribute to sophisticated automation projects, and work inside the facilities of some of Canada's largest and most respected food and beverage manufacturers.

For someone with approximately 5–10 years of experience who wants greater exposure, stronger technical depth, and the opportunity to become a trusted automation specialist, this represents a meaningful next step.

What You Get

• $90,000–$115,000 salary, based on experience
• Exposure to complex and meaningful automation projects
• Direct access to experienced process, electrical, mechanical, and automation professionals
• Established company with a lean, family-oriented culture
• Team environment where people work hard, support one another, and take pride in delivering exceptional results

The Opportunity

If you're an experienced PLC Programmer, Controls Specialist, Automation Technologist, or Automation Engineer who wants to broaden your expertise and see your work operate in a live production environment, this could be an excellent next step.