Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist

Cogent Industrial • Richmond, BC

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

Cogent Industrial Technologies is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist to join their growing team in Richmond, British Columbia. This role involves working on a diverse portfolio of industrial automation projects across North America, including control system modernizations, PLC migrations, SCADA/HMI development, industrial networking, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. The engineer will collaborate with experienced professionals to design, develop, commission, and support industrial control systems for clients in various process industries such as forestry, pulp and paper, aggregates, utilities, and manufacturing. Projects span from brownfield modernization of legacy systems to large-scale greenfield installations. Cogent Industrial Technologies, founded in 2005 and acquired by Kadant Inc. in 2020, is known for delivering innovative automation solutions that enhance operational visibility, reliability, efficiency, and performance. The company is experiencing significant expansion and offers an opportunity for impactful contributions to project success and company growth.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of industrial automation, controls, or electrical systems experience.
• Experience working within an industrial facility, OEM, systems integrator, consulting engineering firm, or similar technical environment.
• Experience supporting projects throughout the full lifecycle, including design, programming, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Canada, the United States, and internationally as required.
• Legally authorized to work in Canada.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience using one or more industrial control platforms.
• HMI and SCADA development experience.
• Industrial communications and networking including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, and TCP/IP networks.
• Experience with industrial automation platforms such as Schneider Electric Modicon, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix, Siemens, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, or similar systems.
• Experience working with industrial instrumentation and control devices including transmitters, switches, motor starters, VFDs, analyzers, and process control equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, control narratives, and technical specifications.
• Experience commissioning and troubleshooting control systems in operating industrial facilities.
• Understanding of industrial safety systems, hazard reviews, and safe work practices.
• Familiarity with North American electrical and industrial standards including CSA, UL, NFPA, and applicable industry requirements.
• Experience preparing technical documentation including functional descriptions, testing procedures, operating procedures, and commissioning reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical solutions.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and professional conduct.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to build positive working relationships with customers, contractors, operators, tradespeople, and fellow team members.
• A hands-on, collaborative approach to solving technical challenges.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Initiative, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership of assigned work.
• Curiosity, continuous learning, and a desire to remain current with evolving automation technologies.
• Professionalism, integrity, and the ability to both provide and receive constructive feedback.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Schneider Electric Modicon, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, Allen-Bradley, and legacy control system modernization projects is considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and commission industrial control systems for customers across a variety of process industries.
• Support modernization projects involving legacy and contemporary automation platforms including Schneider Electric, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, and AVEVA/Wonderware systems.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in accordance with project specifications and customer requirements.
• Assist with the preparation of control narratives, functional descriptions, I/O lists, network architectures, and technical documentation.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, and related protocols.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup activities.
• Troubleshoot control system issues in operating industrial facilities and develop practical solutions to improve system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with customers, electricians, instrumentation technicians, operators, engineers, and project managers throughout project execution.
• Participate in hazard reviews, safety assessments, and the implementation of safe control system designs.
• Maintain a strong commitment to quality, safety, documentation, and continuous improvement.
• Remain current with emerging automation technologies, software platforms, and industry best practices.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding organization
• Contribute to a company committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices

What This Job Offers

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