Sr Staff Engineer, Automation Controls

NextGenEnergyJobs; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 238,000 - 301,000; Full time

Job summary

Sila is seeking a Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer to lead architecture and design of robust control systems for heavy automation environments. The role interfaces with scientists, engineers, and technicians to deliver high-reliability, first-of-a-kind industrial platforms.

Responsibilities include defining engineering standards, implementing IEC 61131-3 based PLC software, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure tight integration and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation and capital equipment.
• Experience deploying mission-critical automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, software architecture, and electrical design for modular control systems.
• Architect HMI software and PLC code using Structured Text (IEC 61131-3). Implement Fieldbus protocols and safety standards.
• Design electrical schematics, power distribution, control panels, and network architectures.
• Drive end-to-end projects with system integration, troubleshooting, and formal validation (FAT/SAT).
• Mentor junior controls engineers and align with cross-functional teams.

Skills

System architecture

PLC programming

HMI development

IEC 61131-3

Automation standards

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Structured Text

EtherCAT

PROFINET

EtherNet/IP

Modbus

Job description

The starting base pay for this role is between $172,000 and $218,000 at the time of posting.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & System Design: Lead the strategy, software architecture, and electrical design for modular, deterministic, and scalable control systems. Define engineering standards and specifications for novel capital equipment.
• Software & Automation Engineering: Architect HMI software and write robust PLC code primarily in Structured Text (IEC 61131-3). Implement industrial Fieldbus protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus) and batch/safety standards (ISA-88, IEC 61151, SIS).
• Electrical & Hardware Design: Design electrical schematics, power distribution, control panels, and network architectures. Apply deep knowledge of AC/DC power, analog signals, control wiring, and functional safety systems.
• Execution, Validation & Quality: Drive projects end-to-end through system integration, advanced troubleshooting, and formal validation (FAT/SAT). Generate comprehensive, high-quality technical documentation for both software and hardware.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment: Drive technical engagements with strategic vendors and collaborate with research scientists, engineers, and technicians. Mentor mid- and junior-level controls engineers to promote engineering rigor and best practices.

Requirements

• As a Senior Staff Automation Controls Engineer at Sila, you will architect, design, and deploy robust, deterministic machine control software and electrical subsystems for complex, production-scale materials processing equipment. You will bridge cross-functional teams—from scientists to shop-floor technicians—to build high-reliability, first-of-a-kind industrial automation platforms.
• Experience: 10+ years of industry experience deploying mission-critical industrial automation systems and capital equipment.
• Education: B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Preferred Domain Exposure: Experience with complex materials processing involving high technical risk (e.g., extreme temperatures/pressures, unforgiving chemistry, or strict uptime requirements).