Automation Technician

Primary Location :

TORONTO, Ontario, Canada

At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture.

We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient.

Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America.

By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet.

If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us !

Summary 

Reporting directly to the Maintenance Director, the Process & Packaging Automation Technician serves as the plant's automation subject matter expert. 

Your primary responsibility is to ensure the reliable operation of our automated manufacturing and packaging systems by providing advanced troubleshooting, technical support, and automation expertise.

This is not primarily a project engineering role.

Success in this position is measured by your ability to maximize equipment uptime, quickly resolve automation issues, support the maintenance team, and maintain the integrity of our control systems.

You will work closely with Maintenance, Production, Quality, Engineering, OEMs, and external service providers to keep critical manufacturing systems operating safely and efficiently.

Duties and responsibilities 

1. Automation Troubleshooting & Reliability 

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation issues affecting manufacturing and packaging equipment. 

• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and control systems. 

• Provide advanced controls support to maintenance technicians and electricians. 

• Minimize production downtime through effective fault diagnosis and rapid problem resolution. 

• Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions. 

• Maintain automation backups, documentation, and software revisions. 

2. Process Automation 

Support automated process equipment including:

• Ingredient delivery systems  

• Batch processing systems  

• Mixers and cookers  

• Pumps and automated valves  

• CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems  

• Process instrumentation  

• Utility control systems  

Ensure process automation systems remain reliable while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.

3. Packaging Automation 

Support automated packaging equipment including:

• Fillers  

• Cappers  

• Labelers  

• Conveyors  

• Case packers  

• Palletizers  

• Robotic systems  

Troubleshoot production issues while maximizing line availability and equipment performance.

4. Projects & Technical Support 

• Support the installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new automation equipment. 

• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and equipment suppliers. 

• Participate in equipment upgrades and automation improvements. 

• Assist with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) when required. 

• Preserve and continuously improve plant automation knowledge and documentation. 

5. Safety & Compliance 

• Perform all work in accordance with Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements and plant safety standards. 

• Support Lockout/Tagout procedures and safe maintenance practices. 

• Ensure automation systems support food safety and quality requirements. 

• Participate in audits and compliance activities. 

6. Collaboration 

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams. 

• Act as the plant's primary automation technical resource. 

• Support and mentor maintenance personnel on automation-related issues. 

• Communicate effectively with both internal stakeholders and external automation vendors. 

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Diploma or Degree in:

• Automation Engineering Technology  

• Electrical Engineering Technology  

• Industrial Electronics  

• Industrial Automation  

• Or equivalent experience  

A licensed Industrial Electrician (442A or 309A) with strong automation experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment. 

• Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment in production. 

• Experience supporting both process and packaging automation is strongly preferred. 

• Food manufacturing experience is considered a significant asset. 

Technical Skills:

Strong experience with:

• Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000)  

• Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal)  

• HMIs and SCADA systems (Ignition experience is an asset)  

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)  

• Industrial instrumentation and sensors  

• Industrial Ethernet communications (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)  

• Electrical drawings and control schematics  

Experience with robotics (Fanuc or equivalent) is considered an asset.

Experience with automated process systems such as batching, ingredient delivery, or CIP systems is highly desirable.

Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills 

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision 

• Calm and effective under production pressure 

• Excellent communication and teamwork 

• Strong organizational skills 

• Safety-focused mindset 

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership 

We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment