Sr. Controls and Automation Engineer, North America
Sun Gro Horticulture•, ON
•$140,000•Remote
About The Position
Sun Gro Horticulture is seeking a Senior Controls and Automation Engineer to lead the transformation of legacy control systems across its North American manufacturing operations. This role involves designing, integrating, and deploying new control platforms, software, hardware, and equipment to modernize plant automation and ensure operational excellence. The position reports to regional engineering leadership and supports day-to-day operational controls needs. The company is a prominent North American horticultural company with over 800 employees, serving customers worldwide and is a leading supplier of soilless growing mixes.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology diploma
- Minimum 5 years of industrial automation experience, including control system migration, design, integration, and plant operations support
- Hands-on commissioning and start-up experience in large-scale projects (>$10M)
- Strong project management and change leadership skills
- Hands-on experience with brownfield controls and automation upgrades in operating plant environments
- Expertise in Rockwell Automation (RSView32, FactoryTalk) and Inductive Ignition platforms
- Skilled in PLC logic, HMI screens, servo motion control, and safety PLC systems
- Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networking, remote I/O systems, and instrumentation calibration
- Ability to work with integrators and contractors to implement automation systems
- Proficient with AutoCAD, MS Project, Excel, and common controls diagnostic tools
- Excellent communicator able to lead cross-functional initiatives and coach plant teams
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Nice To Haves
- P.Eng. or CET designation preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead multi-site controls system modernization and equipment automation, migrating from legacy platforms to current technologies (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk, Inductive Ignition)
- Collaborate with integrators to specify, design, test, and implement automation and control systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, safety systems, and industrial networks
- Oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of automation upgrades, control panel retrofits, and network architecture improvements
- Develop and maintain new process control systems and improve existing processes
- Manage contractors, consultants, and suppliers for automation projects
- Provide strategic controls support and troubleshooting to 16 North American plants
- Maintain corporate programming, documentation, drawing standards, and change logs for all automation platforms
- Design, review, and update electrical schematics, P&IDs, one-line diagrams, and panel layouts in compliance with UL508a, NEC, and NFPA 70E standards
- Establish predictive and preventive maintenance protocols for automation assets and upskill local plant technicians
- Participate in and lead stage gate reviews for controls scope in capital projects
- Interface with Corporate IT to align plant automation with IT infrastructure standards
- Plan and schedule projects, including capital expenditure preparation
- Monitor emerging technologies and assess pilot automation solutions for scalability
- Act as controls subject matter expert for plant maintenance teams
Benefits
- Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Spending Account
- Employee Support and Mental Wellness
- Short-term disability
- 401k Match / RRSP Match
- Paid vacation
- Floating days
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Engagement Events
- Awards and Recognition
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Service Awards
- Employee Perks & Discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
