Automation Engineer

About The Company

Ecolab Inc. is a global company focused on delivering solutions that support safe, clean, and efficient operations. CoolIT Systems, an Ecolab company, was founded in Calgary, Alberta, in 2001 and is a leading provider of direct liquid cooling technology for data centers, supercomputers, and desktop computers. Its solutions are designed and manufactured for use by major technology companies around the world.

CoolIT has earned recognition for its growth and innovation, including inclusion in the Financial Times list of The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 and Deloitte Fast 50 Clean Technology recognition in 2022. With demand increasing for generative AI, high-performance computing, and cloud services, the company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities to support evolving customer needs.

About The Role

CoolIT Systems is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer, Manufacturing to join its manufacturing team in Calgary. In this hands-on role, you will design, program, integrate, commission, and continuously improve automated manufacturing and product-testing systems. Your work will help transform manual and semi-automated processes into reliable, integrated production solutions.

You will lead automation projects from initial requirements and system design through programming, installation, commissioning, validation, operator training, and production hand-off. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to solve technical challenges, improve equipment performance, and deliver safe, maintainable, and effective systems.

Responsibilities

Design and implement automation solutions for assembly, manufacturing, and product testing. 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 other machine controls.

Integrate automation components such as vision systems, sensors, safety devices, pneumatics, test equipment, and industrial communication networks. Lead projects through design, testing, installation, validation, production ramp-up, and final hand-off. Prepare project proposals, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, execution plans, standard operating procedures, manuals, work instructions, and preventive maintenance documentation.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams on machine layouts, tooling, fixtures, guarding, sensor placement, and equipment accessibility. Train engineers, technicians, and operators in equipment operation, programming, troubleshooting, and safe work practices. Provide production support, resolve complex automation issues, and apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methods to improve throughput, quality, safety, reliability, cycle time, and efficiency. Confirm that equipment meets safety, quality, documentation, maintainability, and usability requirements before release.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Candidates should have strong experience developing, troubleshooting, and commissioning PLC programs and HMI applications, along with experience programming, integrating, teaching, and commissioning industrial or collaborative robots. Experience configuring and tuning servo drives, motors, and motion-control systems is also required.

You should have demonstrated experience delivering automated machinery from requirements and design through commissioning, documentation, training, and production hand-off. The role requires familiarity with integrating controls, robotics, safety devices, industrial networks, sensors, pneumatics, and test equipment, as well as the ability to interpret electrical schematics, machine drawings, I/O lists, and network diagrams. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada without employer sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications include knowledge of IPC-A-610, ISO 9001, or Six Sigma; experience with SolidWorks or comparable 3D CAD software; and familiarity with SCADA, LabVIEW, embedded systems, Python, C/C++, SQL, or manufacturing data systems. Experience with Universal Robots, EPSON, FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar platforms is an asset. Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are important.

Benefits

CoolIT offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation and flex days, a paid company-wide holiday shutdown, and health coverage for dental, prescription drugs, vision, paramedical services, and a health spending account, available from the first day of employment. Employees can also access company-funded RRSP contributions, a casual yet professional dress environment, and tenure-based retention rewards that may include additional vacation and a monetary bonus. The company supports career development and a collaborative workplace.

Equal Opportunity

Ecolab Inc. is committed to fair and equal treatment and to providing equal employment opportunities. Hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and advancement decisions are based on individual qualifications and job performance. Ecolab does not discriminate against associates or applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Selected candidates may be required to complete background checks, including criminal record and education verification. We thank all applicants for their interest; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.