Senior Controls Systems Software Designer

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider is seeking a Senior Controls Systems Software Designer in Vaughan, Canada. You will lead projects, design and develop automation solutions, and mentor team members. Candidates must have a degree in Mechatronics or a related field, with over 5 years programming PLCs, and strong problem-solving skills in electrical and mechanical systems. This position offers competitive pay and an extensive benefits package, including bonuses and health benefits.

Benefits

3% - 6% Annual Incentive Bonus

Stock Purchase Plan

Health Care Spending Account

Employee Engagement Events

Employee Development Programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience programming PLCs and HMIs using Rockwell or Siemens.
• 3 years in automation/controls environment involving SCADA and MES.
• Experience with hardware and software integration in an automation context.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC/PC software specific to customer requirements.
• Debug and commission control systems at facility and customer sites.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical problem-solving as SME.

Skills

Programming PLCs

Electrical problem-solving

Mechanical problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Post-secondary degree in Mechatronics, Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

Siemens TIA Portal

Visual Basic

Python

C#

Job description

Requisition ID: 16303

Date: Jan 15, 2026

Location: Woodbridge, ON, CA, L4L 8K9

Senior Controls Systems Software Designer

Join our globally growing team at ATS Test where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world.

ATS is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies. The ATS Test Division specializes in developing custom in-process and End-of-Line Test Systems to meet and exceed the customer’s needs. We are part of the Industrial Automation group with a strong focus on EV products including battery cell, module and pack leak and functional testing but also serve other industries including the Life Sciences group, Aerospace Industry, traditional automotive, specialty products and the growing Fuel Cell market.

ATS Test provides PC based solutions for complex test systems that need high accuracy, high data collection and advanced analysis. Our core competencies include electrical functional testing, electro-mechanical testing, and pneumatic and hydraulic leak and flow testing.

• Pay Rate:$42.31 - $58.17
• Eligible for 3% - 6% Annual Incentive Bonus
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Health Care Benefits + $600 Health Care Spending Account
• Employee Engagement Events (Employee BBQ’s and lunches, weekly treat day, etc.)
• Employee Development Programs

Major Duties

As a member of a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team, you will design and develop world-class automation solutions while planning and leading projects with full responsibility for project teams, schedules, milestones, and budgets. The role involves contributing to machine concepts, designing and integrating control software with electrical and mechanical systems, and mentoring junior controls team members. You will support process development and machine installation at customer sites worldwide, working with leading-edge technologies such as PLCs, PCs, robotics, motion controllers, vision systems, lasers, and other controllers, including programming PLCs to interface with SCADA systems like Ignition, ATS SAMS, and ATS Test Executive.

Specific Responsibilities

• Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements based on standard ATS programming methods (ATS Global Code Standard)
• In depth programming in environments mainly using PLC Ladder logic (Rockwell / Siemens platforms), and structured test (i.e. shell scripting, Visual Basic, C#, Python)
• Ability to reverse-engineer and write PLC code from scratch
• Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, I/O, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems and lasers.
• Debug and commission control systems at our facility, during the system integration stage and then at the customer’s site during installation. Travel to both domestic and international customer locations for SAT (up to 20% travel per year)
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and reduced cost.
• Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems to provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
• Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
• Provide accurate documentation for each project and training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles and program structure).
• Advise customer on solving technical problems as a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
• Improve the knowledge and capability of other members of the department through mentoring. Responsible for meeting Team Member level KPIs as assigned. (Budget, Schedule, Quality, CI)
• Assist with the Team Leader’s responsibilities during their absence and periodically supervise the software development and integration effort on at a team level delegating tasks to a team of people.
• Responsible for communicating time estimates and resource requirements on controls tasks to the Team Leader and at times the Project managers.
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.

Qualifications

Education:

• A post-secondary degree specializing in Mechatronics, Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Human/Machine Interfaces (HMI) using Allen Bradley (Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer) or Siemens (TIA Portal) software
• 3 years of experience in a hands-on automation/controls environment working on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) systems
• Proficiency in understanding programs written in structured test (i.e. Visual Basic, C#, Python, languages). Strong programming, mechanical and electrical problem-solving skills.
• Experience with configuration/troubleshooting of instrumentation (power supplies, meters, sensors, safety switches, etc.) using vendor software and interfaces
• Experience working in Just-In-Time environments and on mission critical systems
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding of robotics, control systems and machine operation with hands‑on experience is required
• A self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment with minimal supervision.

Health & Safety Requirements

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.

Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

• Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout‑tagout methods
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defect in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable
• Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct

Why should you join ATS Industrial Automation?

• Be a part of an engaged, empowered and innovative global workforce
• We offer a robust total rewards package - Competitive starting salaries, comprehensive health and dental benefits, overtime pay, employee bonus, RSP matching, Employee Share Purchase Program
• We provide awesome work perks such as treat days, gourmet coffee and beverages, subsidized breakfast and lunches in our cafeteria, employee referral bonuses and lots more.
• We are intentional about your professional growth and development through internal career opportunities and our educational reimbursement program.

The compensation offered will be based on the local job market and may vary depending on factors such as the job-related knowledge, skills, experience of the selected candidate, as well as other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of these benefits will be provided when the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment.

This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization.

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

The ATS applicant tracking system may utilize AI software with pre‑defined, rule‑based filters to organize and manage application materials. Rule‑based filters operate solely on fixed criteria and do not perform autonomous evaluation or generate independent recommendations. All hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment.

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