Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist

Socket.dev; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vitalus is seeking a Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist to provide technical leadership across complex control systems and automation projects. You will shape standards, drive reliability, and guide teams through troubleshooting and commissioning efforts in a manufacturing setting.

The role focuses on delivering practical solutions, ensuring safe operations, and improving plant performance through governance and collaboration with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in PLC programming, automation, and instrumentation within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Red Seal Instrumentation & Controls Technician or Industrial Instrument Mechanic certification, and/or a relevant engineering technology diploma/degree.
• Proficient with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000, SLC 500, FactoryTalk View Studio, Ignition SCADA, industrial networks, and VFDs.

Responsibilities

• Lead critical control systems prioritization for PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and instrumentation.
• Drive complex troubleshooting from root cause analysis to return to service.
• Establish technical standards and governance to maintain reliable, secure automation systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Red Seal Instrumentation & Control Technician

Industrial Instrument Mechanic certification

Electrical/Electronics/Instrumentation Engineering Technology diploma or degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000

RSLogix SLC 500

FactoryTalk View Studio

Ignition SCADA

Industrial networks

VFDs

Job description

Build The Systems Behind The Future

Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist

At Vitalus, we're investing in smarter automation, stronger manufacturing systems, and the technology that keeps our operations moving forward. As our Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist, you'll provide technical leadership for complex control systems, automation projects, and plant reliability initiatives. Your expertise will help shape standards, solve critical challenges, and drive the next generation of manufacturing performance across our facilities.

Is This You?

• You bring deep PLC, automation, and instrumentation expertise, paired with a practical, hands-on approach to solving complex technical problems.
• You lead with sound judgment and collaboration, earning trust while guiding teams through troubleshooting, projects, and technical decisions.
• You're energized by building better systems, improving reliability, and helping manufacturing operations perform at their best.

What You'll Do

Lead Critical Control Systems

• Set priorities for PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and instrumentation systems based on operational risk and business impact.
• Drive complex troubleshooting efforts, from root cause analysis through successful return to service.
• Maintain reliable, recoverable, and secure automation systems through strong governance and standards.

Drive Automation Excellence

• Establish technical standards, programming practices, and instrumentation strategies that support long-term reliability.
• Guide routine system modifications while supporting safe, controlled change management.
• Coach technicians and strengthen technical capability across teams.

Deliver Meaningful Improvements

• Lead controls and instrumentation projects from technical scope through commissioning and operational handoff.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, suppliers, and contractors to implement practical solutions.
• Evaluate technical and business trade-offs to support informed decision-making.

Support Safe, Reliable Operations

• Ensure work aligns with safety requirements, technical standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Provide clear guidance during critical issues while protecting people, product, equipment, and production continuity.
• Build alignment across functions to achieve shared operational goals.

What You'll Bring

• Red Seal Instrumentation & Control Technician or Industrial Instrument Mechanic certification, and/or a relevant Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering Technology diploma or degree.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in PLC programming, automation, and instrumentation within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Advanced experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000, SLC 500, FactoryTalk View Studio, Ignition SCADA, industrial networks, and VFDs.
• Strong troubleshooting, technical leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Experience with robotic systems, automated material handling, packaging equipment, or food manufacturing is an asset.

Ready to shape what's next?