PLC Automation Engineer – Siemens / Conveyor Systems

PLC Automation Engineer – Siemens / Conveyor Systems

Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid – In-office 3 days a week)

Language: Advanced English communication skills, both written and verbal

Salary: $100,000–$110,000 CAD annually

About the Opportunity

Our client, an established global provider of automated material handling and logistics solutions, is looking for an experienced PLC Automation Engineer to join its growing engineering team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex industrial automation projects involving conveyor systems, material handling equipment, and automated sorting solutions used in environments such as airports, parcel distribution centres, and logistics facilities.

We're looking for a hands-on automation professional with strong Siemens PLC programming experience, particularly with TIA Portal and S7 controllers, who can take ownership of automation projects from system design and programming through testing, troubleshooting, and on-site commissioning.

The ideal candidate will have experience designing and programming conveyor-based automation systems, with a strong preference for professionals who have worked in baggage handling systems (BHS), parcel sorting, or automated material handling environments.

This role combines software development, industrial controls engineering, and hands-on commissioning. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver reliable, high-performance automation solutions for customers internationally.

What's In It for You

• Competitive annual salary of $100,000–$110,000 CAD
• Comprehensive employee benefits and RRSP program
• Hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week in-office
• Opportunity to work on large-scale industrial automation and material handling projects
• Exposure to advanced Siemens PLC technologies, industrial networking, and complex conveyor control systems
• Opportunity to participate in international projects, including on-site installation, startup, and commissioning
• Collaborative technical environment with opportunities to contribute to system design, programming, and continuous improvement

Your Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC-based automation solutions for industrial equipment, conveyor systems, and automated material handling applications.
• Develop and maintain Siemens PLC programs using TIA Portal, Simatic Manager, S7-300, and S7-1500 controllers.
• Design, program, and configure HMI and SCADA applications to support equipment operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in automation system design, review technical specifications, and prepare functional analyses and control system documentation.
• Develop and integrate control logic for conveyor systems, motors, drives, sensors, scanners, cameras, and other automated equipment.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Profinet, Profibus, and Industrial Ethernet.
• Perform system testing and validation, including the use of 3D emulation and simulation tools to verify equipment functionality and performance.
• Support equipment installation, startup, and commissioning at customer sites, ensuring automated systems operate according to project specifications.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control system issues to minimize downtime and restore equipment functionality.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams to ensure successful system integration.
• Provide technical support during project execution and warranty periods, including troubleshooting and implementing corrective actions.
• Train customer operators and maintenance personnel on automated equipment operation and troubleshooting procedures.
• Contribute to technical proposals, system improvements, and engineering best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and support to other automation specialists as required.
• Travel to customer sites for commissioning and technical support, including North America-wide.

Skills and Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, or controls engineering, preferably involving automated material handling systems.
• College diploma or university degree in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting Siemens PLC programs.
• Proficiency with Siemens TIA Portal and S7-1500 PLCs, with knowledge of Simatic Manager and S7-300 systems.
• Experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial automation equipment.
• Strong understanding of PLC control logic, industrial control systems, electrical equipment, and automation troubleshooting.
• Experience developing or modifying HMI and SCADA applications.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols, particularly Profinet, Profibus, and Ethernet.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley PLC systems and Rockwell Automation products.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, functional descriptions, and electrical control documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting automated equipment, identifying root causes, and implementing reliable technical solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently on complex automation challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Valid passport and willingness to occasionally travel North America-wide
• Flexibility to work occasional overtime during critical project phases or commissioning activities.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in airport baggage handling systems (BHS), parcel handling, or automated sorting and distribution facilities.
• Hands-on experience programming and commissioning conveyor systems, sorters, and automated material handling equipment.
• Experience working with logistics automation, warehouse automation, or distribution centre systems.
• Knowledge of motor control, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, and motion control applications.
• Experience integrating industrial sensors, barcode scanners, vision systems, and safety devices.
• Experience with Siemens WinCC or Wonderware InTouch SCADA.
• Familiarity with machine safety systems and industrial automation safety standards.
• Experience with 3D emulation or virtual commissioning tools.
• Previous experience supporting international automation projects, including on-site startup and commissioning.
• Experience working for an automation systems integrator or industrial equipment manufacturer.