Senior Control Systems Designer - POP

ATS Automation; Cambridge; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Cambridge, Canada, is seeking a Controls Systems Designer to develop software solutions for innovative factory automation projects. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in PLC programming and be able to work both independently and collaboratively to drive projects forward. This role offers competitive compensation and growth opportunities in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive starting salaries

Employee Incentive Bonus program

Comprehensive health and dental benefits

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in PLC coding and integration of custom factory automation.
• 3+ years supporting or managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical software development and implementation across POP activities.
• Develop software requirements and control concepts for prototypes.
• Perform code reviews and lead software design.

Skills

PLC programming (BnR, Siemens and Rockwell)

C/C++

.NET or similar tools

Agile development practices

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Post-secondary engineering or computer science degree

Tools

Lab test equipment

Job description

Job Description

ATS Life Sciences – We don’t follow the trends. We set them! Are you interested in being part of a team that makes a difference? Join our growing ATS Life Sciences Systems team, a division of ATS Corporation, a publicly traded global enterprise dedicated to advancing the future with factory‑wide automation solutions for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. When there is no room for error, leading life sciences companies trust us to resolve their production challenges.

ROLE SUMMARY

As a Controls Systems Designer in the Proof of Principle Execution team, you will collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary group to anticipate, identify, and mitigate technical and process risks. Your work will focus on understanding and defining requirements, and applying a systematic approach to problem‑solving to ensure solutions meet customer performance specifications.

We’re looking for a creative thinker—someone who can approach challenges from fresh angles while staying grounded in practical engineering. You should be able to grasp the fundamentals of a problem quickly and develop effective, innovative solutions that are both functional and forward‑thinking.

Duties include developing software requirements and control concepts for a wide range of prototypes. You will lead and execute the software development process through to full integration with electrical and mechanical systems, often in situations where direction is limited or evolving. You are comfortable working independently or as part of a team, contributing to the development of practical, well‑integrated solutions—especially in areas where no clear precedent exists.

Responsibilities

• Participate/Lead in technical software development and implementation across all POP activities.
• Attend assigned Project Kick‑Off meetings (PKO), review scope of work, budget and schedule.
• Travel to support Proof of Principle (POP) execution.
• Record project status for weekly team meetings.
• Perform rework efficiently to ensure minimal impact to budget and schedule.
• Work with issue‑tracking and revision‑control systems.
• Develop and execute tests to verify concept/equipment behavior and performance.
• Perform code reviews.
• Participate and lead in defining the requirements and concepts for POP projects ensuring an “outside the box” approach, avoiding limitations normal in operations projects.
• Lead software design to, test, and “fail fast” to iterate through concepts.
• Lead technical evaluations of technologies in their area of expertise.
• Sign‑off on project designs, go/no‑go and pivot decisions for POP execution.
• Provide technical assistance to the rest of the department for area of expertise.
• Analyze and understand Life Science industry and customer technical requirements while converging proven automation principles with new technologies and approaches.
• Support Applications and Operations during concept development and customer‑facing interactions.
• Lead or participate in design reviews with internal/external customers, vendors, and internal design groups.
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
• Maintain a 5S environment.
• These responsibilities are subject to change as assigned.

Qualifications

• Skilled at producing effective software designs within accelerated development cycles.
• Able to deal with high unknowns up front as challenges are often being solved for the first time.
• Adapt quickly to new learnings from prototypes and incorporate findings into solutions.
• Strong ability to get to root cause of customer problems and deliver innovative solutions.
• Team player able to contribute to meetings, perform code reviews, brainstorm hard problems and step in and contribute when a challenge needs all hands‑on deck.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to document and explain solutions.
• Strong programming/software development and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with PLC programming (BnR, Siemens and Rockwell), Motion control, C/C++, .NET or similar tools.
• Hands‑on experience with lab test equipment is an asset.
• Experience with Agile development practices.
• Strong understanding of automation systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude – we want someone who will be hands on to solve problems.
• A self‑starter with the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Education

• A post‑secondary engineering or computer science degree, diploma or equivalent with an emphasis on software design and Integration.

Experience

• A minimum of 7+ years of hands‑on experience in PLC coding and integration of custom factory automation.
• A minimum of 3+ years supporting or managing complex projects.

If you’re excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.

Why YOU should join our ATS Life Sciences Systems team

We value our PEOPLE – The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower and energize our people. The best people want to work with the best team – the best teams are diverse and inclusive teams.

What we do MATTERS – Our Life Sciences projects contribute to improving the lives of people around the world! ATS has made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030!

INNOVATION and PROBLEM SOLVING is at our core – Our pursuit of continuous improvement in everything we do. Our focus is on building diverse teams, stimulating innovation by challenging conventional thinking, encouraging fresh ideas and promoting creative problem‑solving.

We prioritize internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT – ATS offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development – with a tuition reimbursement program, individual development programs and a commitment to promoting from within – there is space for you to grow your career at ATS!

We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards – Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, Employee Incentive Bonus program, comprehensive health and dental benefits including Lifestyle Spending Account, 5% RRSP matching program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program.

A place to BELONG: We celebrate our differences and ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for growth and development. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and experiences is essential for our success and innovation.

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to a personal disability. We would ask that those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary.