Automation Engineer - Controls & Automation

WHAT YOU’LL DO: CoolIT Systems is looking for an experienced Automation Engineer, Manufacturing to join our Calgary Manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, programming, integrating, commissioning, and continuously improving automated manufacturing and product testing systems that support our growing production operations. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, servo-motion systems, industrial or collaborative robots, and machine control technologies. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will lead automation projects from concept and system design through programming, integration, commissioning, documentation, operator training, and final production hand-off. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, optimizing manufacturing processes, and driving continuous improvement through automation.

Design, develop, and implement automation solutions that transform manual and semi-automated manufacturing processes into fully integrated assembly and product testing systems. Develop controls architecture, functional requirements, machine sequences, I/O layouts, network architecture, and equipment integration strategies. Program, troubleshoot, and commission PLCs, HMIs, servo-motion systems, industrial and collaborative robots, and machine controls. Integrate automation components including PLCs, robots, vision systems, sensors, safety systems, pneumatics, test equipment, and industrial communication networks. Lead automation projects from concept and design through programming, testing, installation, commissioning, validation, production ramp-up, and final hand-off. Prepare technical documentation including project proposals, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, execution plans, SOPs, operating manuals, work instructions, and preventive maintenance procedures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design machine layouts, tooling, fixtures, guarding, sensor placement, and equipment accessibility while ensuring manufacturability and reliability. Train engineers, technicians, and operators on equipment operation, robot programming, troubleshooting, and safe operating practices. Provide ongoing production support by troubleshooting complex automation and controls issues while driving equipment reliability and performance. Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to enhance throughput, product quality, safety, equipment reliability, cycle time, and operational efficiency. Ensure all automated equipment meets safety, quality, documentation, maintainability, and operator usability requirements before production release.

Basic Qualifications:     Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Strong experience developing, troubleshooting, and commissioning PLC programs and HMI applications. Experience programming, integrating, teaching, and commissioning industrial or collaborative robots. Experience configuring, programming, tuning, and troubleshooting servo drives, servo motors, and motion-control systems. Demonstrated experience delivering automated machinery from requirements and design through programming, commissioning, documentation, training, and final production hand-off. Experience integrating PLCs, HMIs, robots, motion systems, safety devices, industrial networks, sensors, pneumatics, and test equipment. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, machine drawings, I/O lists, network diagrams, and control panel documentation. Must be legally authorized to work in Canada without employer sponsorship.

Working knowledge of IPC-A-610, ISO 9001, and Six Sigma methodologies. Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software. Experience with SCADA, LabVIEW, embedded systems, Python, C/C++, SQL, or manufacturing data systems. Experience working with