Controls Specialist

TreeHouse Foods • Brantford, ON

1d • CA$81,100 - CA$1,217,200 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Controls Specialist to provide hands-on technical expertise supporting plant automation, control systems, and production equipment reliability. In this critical role, you will troubleshoot, maintain, and improve automated systems across the facility, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance. This position plays a key role in supporting continuous improvement, capital projects, and operational excellence within a food manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is a strong problem solver with a passion for automation, controls, and data-driven improvement, who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of controls or automation experience in a manufacturing environment; food, beverage, or CPG experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of industrial electronics, PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, and electrical control systems.
• Hands-on experience with installation, troubleshooting, and repair of automated manufacturing or packaging equipment in a sanitary environment.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement concepts; Lean or Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Experience using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS); SAP Plant Maintenance experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology or a related field strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to control systems, automation, and production process equipment.
• Support the installation, maintenance, and optimization of automated processing and packaging equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support for PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networks, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley hardware and Rockwell software.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Technical Services, and external vendors on control system design and operational issues.
• Support implementation of automation-related operational and cost-efficiency initiatives using data analysis and structured problem-solving.
• Participate in and support root cause analysis (RCA) and continuous improvement efforts to eliminate recurring equipment and control failures.
• Assist with capital projects, including design reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), commissioning, qualification, and verification activities.
• Ensure proper change management, backup, and documentation of automation programs and control system files.
• Support training of operators and maintenance team members on automation systems, processes, and standards.
• Ensure automation solutions comply with company cybersecurity, IT, and audit requirements.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation related to controls, automation, and job activities.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits program!
• Enrollment in our wellness and employee assistance programs!
• Paid holidays, vacation, and other competitive paid time off opportunities!
• An inclusive working environment where you can build meaningful work relationships with a diverse group of people
• Leaders who are invested in supporting your career growth.
• Opportunities to be recognized for outstanding contributions to your team through our employee recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree