Senior Controls Engineer

GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc.; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Work-life balance

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Group benefits

Virtual healthcare

RRSP matching

On-site parking

Career development

Job summary

GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, currently seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to design, develop, integrate, commission, and support PLC-based control systems for sonar and underwater acoustic products.

The role emphasizes electrical and machine-control expertise with motors drives, actuators, sensors, and industrial communications. You will lead development, testing, and field deployment, report to the Director of Engineering, and mentor junior engineers while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechatronics engineering.
• Minimum 10 years experience as a Controls Engineer, focused on PLC-based machine control.
• Proven experience designing, developing, and implementing robust control systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical principles and power systems.
• Experience with industry standards for industrial control systems.
• In-depth knowledge of PLC programming languages and control system hardware.
• Experience commissioning control systems and troubleshooting I/O.
• Effective documentation and collaboration skills.
• Functional safety certification or experience is an asset.
• Cybersecurity knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and field testing of PLC-based control systems.
• Analyze customer requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Develop control system architecture, including actuators, motors, sensors, and I/O.
• Select, configure, and program PLCs, motor drives, and other control system hardware.
• Develop and maintain control system design software using industry-standard programming languages.
• Test, validate, and document electrical and control systems against technical requirements.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical and control system issues, in the lab and in the field.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
• Prepare and maintain control system documentation (schematics, ICDs, ladder diagrams, functional specs).
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and industry best practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Control systems design

Electrical principles

I/O troubleshooting

Project management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechatronics engineering

Tools

PLC programming languages

I/O hardware

Cybersecurity (asset)

Functional safety (asset)

Job description

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Workplace: Onsite

Career Opportunity

GeoSpectrum is growing and has a new career opportunity for an experienced Senior Controls Engineer!

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Senior Controls Engineer is a technical role responsible for the design, development, integration, commissioning, and support of control systems used across GeoSpectrum’s sonar and underwater acoustic products. The role has a strong electrical and machine-control focus, with responsibility for developing robust PLC-based control solutions incorporating motors drives, actuators, sensors, I/O, industrial communications, and associated electrical hardware.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to apply your controls expertise to challenging real-world applications and contribute to advanced technology used in ocean environments around the world, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

GeoSpectrum Technologies was founded in 1994 by friends who wanted to work together and build a collaborative workplace where employees take pride in contributing to cutting-edge technology from concept to delivery. Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, we design and manufacture state-of-the-art underwater acoustic components, transducers, and end-to-end systems for maritime surveillance and exploration. Serving clients across ocean science, defence, and oil and gas industries, we are known for our innovation and for delivering reliable, customised solutions that exceed customer expectations. Over three decades, our core values have shaped a supportive and creative environment that emphasises employee engagement, technical excellence, and strong customer relationships.

To learn more about who we are and what it’s like to work at GeoSpectrum, we invite you to watch our company video by visiting www.geospectrum.ca.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and field testing of PLC-based control systems.
• Analyze customer requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Develop control system architecture, including actuators, motors, sensors, communication protocols, etc.
• Select, configure, and program PLCs, motor drives, and other control system hardware.
• Develop and maintain control system design software using industry-standard programming languages.
• Test, validate, and document electrical and control systems against technical requirements.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical and control system issues, in the lab and in the field.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
• Prepare and maintain control system documentation, including schematics, data ICDs, ladder diagrams, and functional specifications.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechatronics engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum ten (10) years experience as a Controls Engineer, with a focus on PLC-based machine control applications.
• Proven experience in designing, developing, and implementing robust control systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical principles and power systems.
• Demonstrable familiarity with industry standards for industrial control systems.
• In-depth knowledge of PLC programming languages and control system hardware.
• Experience commissioning control systems and troubleshooting I/O.
• Effective with documentation, including communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Functional safety certification or experience, an asset.
• Experience with cybersecurity, an asset.

Security Requirements

All candidates must be eligible to apply for and maintain Canadian Controlled Goods and Canadian Government Security Clearances.

Total Rewards

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset. Our Total Rewards package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and long-term success. It includes a competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, paid time off, opportunities for professional development, and programmes that recognise and reward your contributions.

We offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Work-life balance with core hours
• Paid time off
• Employee-family assistance programme
• Group plan benefits
• Virtual healthcare
• RRSP matching
• Corporate discounts and perks
• Career development opportunities
• Professional development and training
• Monthly activities led by Social Committee
• Employee-driven wellness and activity initiatives
• Free on-site parking

We foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, growth opportunities are encouraged, and every colleague can reach their full potential. At GeoSpectrum Technologies, we hire and develop talented individuals who drive innovation.

Accommodation

GeoSpectrum Technologies is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce where every employee can bring their best self to work. We encourage applicants from all qualified individuals, including underrepresented individuals who identify as African Nova Scotian, racially visible, Indigenous persons, LGBTQIA2S+, persons with disabilities, and women. GeoSpectrum will accommodate applicants' disability-related needs, up to the point of undue hardship, throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you are a member of an equity group, we encourage you to self-identify on either your application form, covering letter, or resume.