SENIOR AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Soprema; Woodstock; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SOPREMA is seeking a Senior Automation Specialist to lead automation across North American bitumen operations. You will drive reliability, standardization, and continuous improvement of automation systems, with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will guide Industry 4.0 initiatives, deploy AI and vision tech, program PLCs/HMIs, and partner with operations on capital projects and digital transformations across Canada and the US.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in automated production engineering or electrical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Define and support the long-term automation and digital transformation roadmap for SOPREMA's bitumen operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies to improve performance, reliability, quality, safety, and cost.
• Lead automation, Industry 4.0, AI, machine vision, and digitalization projects across North American bitumen facilities.
• Program PLCs and HMIs (human-machine interfaces).
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and advanced analytics to optimize manufacturing processes and maintenance.
• Develop, test, and deploy automation solutions that improve stability, reduce variability, and increase OEE.
• Act as technical leader for automation initiatives during capital projects and process improvements.
• Establish and maintain automation standards, architectures, and cybersecurity across facilities.
• Evaluate ROI of automation and digital transformation projects and support investments.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by sharing best practices.

Skills

Industrial automation

Electrical systems

Industrial vision systems

Problem solving

Team leadership

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in automated production engineering or electrical engineering

Tools

In-Sight 3D Suite

Control Expert

TIA Portal

Citect

AutoCAD

Vijeo Designer

Job description

Reporting to the Operations Director – Bitumen, the Senior Automation Specialist is responsible for the development, reliability, standardization, and continuous improvement of automation systems across SOPREMA's North American bitumen operations.

The incumbent provides technical leadership for automation, industrial vision, digital transformation, and emerging technology initiatives. They support operations and industrial projects by developing and implementing innovative solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, process stability, and operational efficiency.

The Senior Automation Specialist plays a key role in identifying and deploying future-oriented technologies, including Industry 4.0 solutions, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing systems. They lead automation projects from concept to implementation while ensuring alignment with SOPREMA's operational and strategic objectives.

THE CHALLENGES WE HAVE FOR YOU

• Define and support the long-term automation and digital transformation roadmap for SOPREMA's bitumen operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies capable of improving operational performance, reliability, product quality, safety, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead automation, Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, machine vision, and digitalization projects across North American bitumen facilities.
• Program PLCs and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
• Identify opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to optimize manufacturing processes, predictive maintenance, quality control, production planning, and operational decision-making.
• Develop, test, and deploy innovative automation solutions that improve process stability, reduce variability, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Act as the technical leader for automation initiatives and provide expertise during capital projects, equipment modernization, and process improvement programs.
• Establish and maintain automation standards, architectures, and best practices to ensure consistency, maintainability, scalability, and cybersecurity across all facilities.
• Evaluate the business value and return on investment of automation and digital transformation projects and support investment decisions.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by introducing new technologies and sharing best practices throughout the organization.

THE SKILLS WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Your Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in automated production engineering, electrical engineering or equivalent experience.

Your Knowledge :

• In-depth knowledge of industrial computing, automation, and electrical systems.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial vision systems.
• Proficiency in basic Windows applications.
• Understanding of computer capabilities.
• Understanding of the basic settings and capabilities of industrial equipment that can be connected to a computer network.
• Knowledge of software such as In-Sight 3D Suite, Control Expert, TIA Portal, Citect, AutoCAD, and Vijeo Designer.
• Bilingualism is an asset (French and English).

Your Skills And Attitudes :

• Integrity, respect, and professionalism.
• Autonomy and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Teamwork and leadership.
• A willingness to take on challenges.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Willingness to invest the time and effort required to carry out projects successfully.

Work Conditions :

• Frequent travel within Canada and to the United States, including visits to SOPREMA facilities across North America.
• Availability in accordance with the schedule established to respond to service calls.

Your Physical Requirements :

• Work in an industrial environment. Exposure to varied work environments. Protective equipment is mandatory.
• Vigilance, thorough knowledge of the facilities, and situational awareness combined with strong safety leadership are essential.