Open: Controls Designer

Position Title:
Controls Designer
Job ID:
911-014
Number of Vacancies:
2
Job Level:
Intermediate/Senior
Location:
Oakville, ON
Employment Type:
Regular full-time employee
Hours of Work:
Monday-Friday for a minimum of 40 hours per week
Work Mode:
Hybrid – mixture of both in-office and remote work on a weekly basis
Reports to:
Engineering Manager
Salary Range:
$95,000 – $114,000
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits and compensation package
Working Conditions
The work environment consists of in-office, shop floor, and occasional field service at customer sites.
Mix of both sedentary desk work and occasional hands‑on work setting within the production environment
Potential requirement for overtime hours on evenings and weekends at peak business hours to ensure business continuance.
Occasional travel is required (approximately 10-20% annually within North America).
Position SummaryThe Controls Designer is responsible for designing and integrating complete automation control systems, combining control processors, devices, actuators, robots, pneumatic controls, and mechanical fixtures into one cohesive operating system. This role involves developing electrical designs, programming PLCs and HMIs, and ensuring seamless communication between all components to meet performance, safety, and quality standards.
Duties & ResponsibilitiesElectrical & Control System Design
Design complex automation systems, including component selection, electrical schematics, and panel layout drawings.
Design and integrate safety circuits, PLC programming, HMI design and implementation, robot programming, and vision systems.
Interpret pneumatic schematics as they relate to the interface with the control system.
Interface and integrate company systems with customer components and systems, as well as OEM components and systems.
Interpret drawings, manuals, and specifications, and use appropriate software to configure target devices.
Interface with the mechanical design team to drive electrical component selection (e.G., sensors, motors, etc.).
Interface with safety engineers for risk assessments, PSHSR documentation, and coordinate electrical inspections as required.
Programming & Integration
Program I/O systems, including networked components, motion control, vision, and robotics.
Support system integration, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT).
Document system configurations and prepare software design descriptions in accordance with company standards.
Customer & Field Support
Support customer training sessions and provide technical assistance as needed.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of system operating manuals.
Provide field support for system installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
Project Management & Communication
Understand and adhere to project scheduling and budget requirements, managing personal workload to meet time and material allowances.
Communicate effectively with management, colleagues, and customers regarding project status, concerns, and proposed solutions.
Prepare for and participate in design reviews (internal and customer‑facing).
Continuous Improvement & Development
Support research and development activities and document them for SR&ED tax credit purposes.
Participate in training courses to enhance technical knowledge and skillsets as directed by management.
Business Development Support
Support sales and applications activities as required.
Travel
Travel to customer sites as required for system integration, testing, and support.
Other
Additional duties as required by Management
The above responsibilities must be performed in accordance with the client’s Personal Charter & Code of Conduct, Vision, Mission Statement, and Core Values.
The key performance indicators for this position will be communicated and tracked as part of the client’s performance management system.
Skills and Qualifications RequirementsEducation:
College or University level Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering program
Experience:
Minimum 2 years of experience with the engineering of automated machinery and robotics
Minimum 2 years of direct experience with two major Control Platforms
Minimum 2 years of experience in electrical design AutoCAD and/or Eplan
2 years of Integration field service experience
Skills, Attributes and Competencies
Technical expertise in automation, robotics, and control systems integration
Proficiency with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, and Mitsubishi platforms, including PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial network configuration
Proficiency with programming industrial robots (ex. Motoman and Fanuc)
Ability to work independently on complex control system design, programming, and integration tasks
Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and motivate team members
Strong communication and collaboration skills with customers and cross‑functional teams
Ability to adapt in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high quality standards
Commitment to continuous improvement and advancing engineering practices
Excellent project management, organization, and problem‑solving orientation.
Effective team player with the ability to work with and contribute to diverse and varying sized groups
Effective communicator with the ability to speak to groups, customers, suppliers, and engineers
Analytical thinker with the ability to take the lead in solving problems and issues that may arise.
Equal Employment Opportunity StatementOur client is dedicated to promoting employment equity and encourages applications from equity‑seeking communities including but not limited to: Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and women. Our client aims to build a diverse team that reflects the communities it serves, enhancing its ability to meet their needs. We are committed to an inclusive and accessible work environment and invites all qualified individuals to apply, offering accommodations during the application, interview and onboarding process as needed. This effort supports our client’s long‑term strategy for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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