Controls Engineer (Contract or Full-Time)

VOLCANIX AUTOMATION is seeking experienced industrial automation Controls Engineers to support Tier 1 automotive projects across Canada, USA, and Mexico. Our client is based in the Greater Barrie, Ontario region, so candidates should be within commuting distance or willing to temporarily relocate for project phases.

This role covers automotive automation systems including robotic welding cells, material handling, and general assembly. Work is split between on-site support in demanding production environments and offline/remote programming phases, so there's a mix of travel and desk-based development depending on the project stage. You'll support power-on, integrations, commisioning and troubleshooting. Note that projects follow strict customer PLC and robotics standards, and in some cases pre-approved code templates you'll be expected to work within.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC systems
• Support production launches, cycle-time improvements, and downtime reduction
• Integrate PLC-controlled systems with robots and safety devices
• Work with welding systems (spot, projection, MIG, and adhesive application)
• Perform system validation, buy-offs, and customer acceptance tests
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues on-site
• Assist with robotic equipment commissioning and debug where required
• Collaborate with controls, robotics, mechanical, and production team
  

Required Skills

Controls Engineering:

• Strong PLC programming experience
• Platforms:
  • Allen-Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000)
  • Mitsubishi (GX Works)
• Experience with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, IO Link)
• Ability to follow mature, customer-specific programming standards

Mandatory Requirements

• 4+ years of experience within the automotive automation industry (OEM or Tier 1)

Preferred Experience

• OEM experience (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Tesla)
• Tier 1 automotive suppliers
• Automotive automation processes: spot welding, projection welding, MIG welding, adhesive/dispensing, material handling, and general assembly
• Vision systems and error proofing (EPP)
• Robot integration experience (FANUC, ABB, NACHI) an asset
  

General Requirements

• Willingness to travel for on-site project phases across North America & Mexico (travel varies by project stage, with lighter periods during offline/remote programming)
• Ability to work independently on customer sites
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Engineering or technical degree preferred

Work Authorization

We welcome candidates who are:

• Independent Contractor
• Eligible for TN Visa
• Eligible for Canadian Work Permit
  
• Authorized to work and travel across North America & Mexico

Additional Information

• Travel and work-related expenses will be covered by the company