Senior Controls Specialist – Industrial Automation
Location: Oldcastle, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary Range: $100,000–$150,000 CAD per year
About DuroByte Inc.
DuroByte Inc. is an industrial automation and controls company with offices in Canada and the United States and Canadian headquarters in Oldcastle, Ontario.
Our mission is to combine advanced technology with customized engineering solutions to improve performance, functionality, and productivity. We deliver complete automation solutions, from controls programming and technical support to fully integrated, turnkey industrial automation systems.
Our expertise includes custom industrial automation, robotics, controls integration, and turnkey manufacturing solutions. We work closely with our customers to design, develop, and implement reliable automation systems that meet their unique production needs.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior Controls Specialist – Industrial Automation to take technical ownership of controls development, programming, integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting for complex industrial automation projects.
In this hands-on role, you will develop controls solutions involving PLCs, HMIs, robotics, industrial networks, motion control, and other automation technologies. You will guide technical decisions, support other controls team members, and collaborate with engineering and project teams throughout the project lifecycle.
The ideal candidate has independently delivered automation projects from development through customer acceptance, brings strong technical judgment, and is comfortable working both in-house and at customer facilities in Canada and the United States.
Key Responsibilities
- Take technical ownership of controls scope on assigned projects, from requirements review and controls architecture through programming, commissioning, and customer handover.
- Develop, structure, program, configure, and troubleshoot advanced PLC and HMI applications, including machine sequences, operating modes, alarms, diagnostics, and fault recovery.
- Lead controls commissioning, startup, debugging, and validation at DuroByte and customer facilities.
- Integrate PLCs with industrial robots, machine vision systems, CNC equipment, servo drives, motion control systems, and other industrial devices.
- Diagnose complex electrical control, software, and communication faults; identify root causes and implement lasting corrective actions.
- Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP.
- Interpret and review electrical schematics, control panel drawings, I/O lists, and system documentation to support controls development and commissioning.
- Review controls programs and technical solutions for functionality, maintainability, consistency, and alignment with customer requirements.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to controls specialists and junior team members.
- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and project teams to resolve integration issues, identify technical risks, and support project schedules.
- Develop and execute controls test plans; support factory and site acceptance testing, cycle-time optimization, and production ramp-up.
- Implement and troubleshoot machine safety functions in collaboration with the responsible engineering team and support documented verification and validation.
- Maintain clear technical documentation, program backups, revision records, commissioning results, and customer handover materials.
- Provide technical support and explain system operation, troubleshooting procedures, and corrective actions to customers and internal teams.
- Follow applicable electrical safety procedures and customer-site safety requirements.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
- Seven or more years of relevant industrial automation or controls experience.
- Demonstrated experience independently developing PLC/HMI applications and delivering industrial automation equipment through commissioning and customer acceptance.
- Advanced hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience with at least one major platform, preferably Siemens and/or Schneider Electric. Allen-Bradley/Rockwell and Omron experience are also valuable.
- Strong HMI development skills, including operator interfaces, alarms, diagnostics, and troubleshooting functions.
- Practical experience integrating PLCs with robots, vision systems, drives, motion control systems, or other industrial equipment.
- Strong knowledge of industrial communication protocols and demonstrated ability to diagnose network and device communication issues.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and troubleshoot industrial I/O, control circuits, and equipment faults.
- Working knowledge of machine safety systems, interlocks, safe operating sequences, and applicable safety requirements.
- Experience reviewing controls software, guiding technical decisions, and supporting or mentoring other team members.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently on complex technical issues.
- Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
Assets That Will Help You Succeed
- Experience across multiple PLC and HMI platforms.
- Experience with Schneider EcoStruxure, Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, or Omron Sysmac Studio.
- Experience with ABB or FANUC robotics, Cognex or Keyence vision systems, and Bosch fastening systems.
- Experience in automotive manufacturing, assembly, or other high-volume industrial environments.
- Experience developing reusable controls standards, program libraries, and commissioning procedures.
- Experience programming and commissioning safety PLCs and supporting machine safety validation.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s licence and a valid passport.
- Willingness and ability to travel to customer facilities in Canada and the United States, including occasional overnight stays as project requirements dictate.
- Legally authorized to work in Canada.
- Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with applicable safety requirements.
What We Offer
- Competitive annual salary of $100,000–$150,000 CAD, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive employee benefits.
- Opportunities to take technical ownership of diverse industrial automation and robotics projects.
- Professional development and opportunities to expand your technical expertise.
- A collaborative, technically focused team environment.
Application Information
DuroByte Inc. welcomes applications from qualified candidates with relevant senior-level industrial automation experience.
Vacancy status: This is new vacancy.
Artificial intelligence disclosure: AI is not used to screen, assess, or select applicants.
Please send applications to careers@durobyte.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
