Process Control Specialist

Millar Western Forest Products Limited; Whitecourt; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Millar Western Forest Products Limited seeks a Process Control Specialist to maintain, optimize, and secure the mill’s control systems in Whitecourt, Alberta. The role reports to the Electrical Superintendent and collaborates with IT and OT teams.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Computer Science or Process Control Engineering or a Red Seal with 5–10 years of automation experience, plus strong PLC and DCS expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with programming experience in process control.
• Red Seal Journeyperson with 5–10 years industrial automation experience in OT/cybersecurity environments.

Responsibilities

• Developing, programming, and implementing process control solutions to improve mill performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders to establish and maintain an effective cybersecurity risk management program across the OT environment.
• Supporting the design, implementation, and ongoing management of cybersecurity controls, policies, standards, and procedures for industrial control systems.
• Planning, budgeting, and coordinating process control system hardware and software upgrades with site management.
• Supporting the deployment and maintenance of industrial network infrastructure, next-generation firewalls, data historians, and IP camera systems.
• Identifying opportunities to improve process reliability, technology utilization, cybersecurity posture, and overall mill performance.

Skills

DCS

PLC

Industrial networking

Control system architecture

Cybersecurity best practices

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's Degree in Process Control Engineering

Red Seal Electrical and Instrumentation Journeyperson certifications

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

ABB control systems

OPC communications

VMware virtualization

Data historian technologies

IP camera systems

Job description

Millar Western’s Whitecourt Pulp Division is seeking a Process Control Specialist who will play a critical role in maintaining, optimizing, and securing the mill’s industrial control systems. Reporting to the Electrical Superintendent, the successful candidate will work closely with corporate Information Technology and security teams and other mill teams to enhance process performance, improve system reliability, and support cybersecurity initiatives across the mill.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing, programming, and implementing process control solutions to improve mill performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders to establish and maintain an effective cybersecurity risk management program across the Operational Technology (OT) environment.
• Supporting the design, implementation, and ongoing management of cybersecurity controls, policies, standards, and procedures for industrial control systems.
• Planning, budgeting, and coordinating process control system hardware and software upgrades with site management
• Supporting the deployment and maintenance of industrial network infrastructure, next-generation firewalls, data historians, and IP camera systems.
• Identifying opportunities to improve process reliability, technology utilization, cybersecurity posture, and overall mill performance.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Process Control Engineering, or a related discipline with demonstrated programming experience. Alternatively, candidates may possess Red Seal Electrical and Instrumentation Journeyperson certifications combined with 5 to 10 years of industrial automation experience and exposure to Operational Technology (OT) and cybersecurity environments.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting complex industrial automation systems and a strong understanding of process control, industrial networking, and control system architecture. Experience with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLC), industrial communications, and cybersecurity best practices within manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

Candidates should have familiarity with systems including Allen-Bradley Control Logix platforms, ABB control systems, OPC communications, VMware virtualization, industrial networking, and data historian technologies. Knowledge of telemetry systems, data acquisition systems, database management, network administration, troubleshooting methodologies, and system lifecycle management principles will be considered strong assets.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organization. A commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, cybersecurity, and safe work practices is essential for success in this role.

Why work for us?

Millar Western is a privately-owned company active in the forest products business for more than a century. Operating high-tech pulp mills in Alberta and British Columbia, supplied with sustainably sourced fibre, the company provides stable, full-time employment in lively, friendly communities offering an excellent quality of life.

We offer:

• an industry-leading wage and benefits program that includes a pension plan, comprehensive dental and health insurance, and a profit-sharing plan
• a commitment to the highest safety standards, with a safety program recognized under Partners in Injury Reduction, Work Safe Alberta and the Premier’s Award for Healthy Workplaces
• a collaborative and respectful work environment that values the skills of our people and encourages them to take on new challenges and advance within the organization
• a chance to live where you work – no commuting or camps

This position is located in Whitecourt, Alberta, a dynamic and family-oriented community, located 170 km from Edmonton and offering excellent amenities and a great quality of life.

Millar Western is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.