Sr. Automation Specialist - Contract

Maple Leaf Foods Inc; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maple Leaf Foods Inc is seeking a Senior Automation Specialist to troubleshoot and maintain automated controls across the Winnipeg facility. You will lead PLC/HMI troubleshooting, modify programs, and support robotic systems to ensure continuous production.

You will maintain network integrity, back up control systems, and collaborate with maintenance teams on projects that improve safety, quality, and efficiency. Experience in food processing is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or Electro, Electro‑Mechanical diploma.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on PLC experience in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of North American/European electrical schematics and Rockwell ControlLogix.
• Experience with FactoryTalk HMI and Ethernet/IP networks is preferred.
• Familiarity with Fanuc Robotics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily troubleshooting and provide solutions for process concerns and equipment improvements.
• Modify PLC programs to support production needs.
• Support distributed process control and monitoring systems including robotic control.
• Maintain machine control network integrity and backups.
• Troubleshoot HMI, PLC, Remote I/O, VFD, and related networks.
• Design electrical schematics in AutoCAD for equipment changes.
• Provide training and support to plant maintenance teams.
• Interface with other departments on new projects.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Electrical systems

Robotics familiarity

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or Electro‑Mechanical diploma

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

FactoryTalk HMI

AutoCAD

Job description

The Opportunity

The Senior Automation Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting, servicing and maintaining automated industrial controls and equipment across the facility - including production and facility support equipment.

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Senior Automation Specialist is responsible for troubleshooting, servicing and maintaining automated industrial controls and equipment across the facility - including production and facility support equipment.

Snapshot Of a Day-in-the-Life

• Lead daily troubleshooting activities, provide solutions and support for process concerns and equipment improvements.


• Make required modifications to PLC programs to support production needs.


• Primary Support for distributed, local process control and monitoring automation systems including industrial robotic control systems


• Responsible for ensuring integrity of machine control network architecture.


• Effectively troubleshoot any HMI, PLC, Remote IO, VFD, electronic control-related and communication network issues within the facility.


• Maintain plant control and monitoring automation systems by updating documentation and keeping current backups of all machine and robot related control systems


• Maintain Factory Talk Asset Center repository to ensure all PLC/HMI backups are synchronized


• Maintain all equipment related and computer integration software to ensure all revisions are current


• Provide controls, support, and training for plant maintenance teams.


• Regularly interface with other disciplines and departments to execute new projects


• Demonstrate full commitment to the implementation of the requirements of the Global Standard for Food Safety and to processes which facilitate continual improvement of food safety and quality management


• Ensure equipment and systems comply with the Corporate Engineering controls standards (O Addendum series), and legislation standards are adhered to for new and upgraded equipment.


• Maintain a healthy relationship with equipment OEM technical support groups


• Supervise, inspect installations and modifications to equipment installation, total predictive/preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of SCADA, Asset Center and BAS systems.


• Design electrical schematics in AutoCAD format for any equipment changes.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• A BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering OR Electro, Electro-Mechanical diploma.


• Minimum of 5 years of technical hands‑on PLC experience in an automated manufacturing environment.


• Working knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • North American and European electrical schematics
  
  
  • Advanced competencies in PLC programming Rockwell Control Logix platforms
  
  
  • Advanced competencies in Factory Talk HMI programming
  
  
  
  


• Familiarity with the Fanuc Robotics System is a plus.


• Solid foundation in control level Ethernet IP networks


• Ability to work flexible hours, with periodic travel to other Maple Leaf Foods facilities and OEMs as required


• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with leaders.


• Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills; ability to build positive relationships with others


• Experience in a food processing is an asset

Additional Information

What We Offer At Maple Leaf Foods

• Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.


• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.


• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.

Company Description

About Us

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

We are carbon neutral.

We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science-based targets.

We’re a global food company with approximately 10,000 team members. We operate sites in 20+ locations across Canada. We also have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and do business in Asia.

A Diverse And Inclusive Work Environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values-based culture

• Doing What’s Right


• Shared Value


• High Performance


• Diverse and Inclusive Teams


• Disciplined Decision Making


• Our Accountability


• Intense Curiosity


• Transparency and Humility

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results.

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team at [e-mail].

Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of our recruitment process. AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions are made by human reviewers.