Senior Automation Specialist

Location: Brantford, ON
Company: ProVantage Automation
Website: provautomation.com

About ProVantage Automation

ProVantage Automation is a leading systems integrator specializing in customized factory automation solutions for the food & beverage, packaging, and paper converting industries across North America. From turnkey primary and secondary packaging lines to custom machinery designed in-house, we engineer, build, and deliver high-performance automation systems that help CPG clients gain a competitive edge.

Why Join ProVantage?

At ProVantage, our team is our value proposition. We’re looking for people who take pride in their craft and want to make a real impact — from concept to commissioning.

You will work closely with company leadership to shape engineering strategy and support the continued growth of ProVantage Automation. Expect projects that challenge and excite you — and a workplace where your voice matters.

About the Role

Reports To: Controls Engineering Supervisor

Direct Reports: Dotted line to all Junior and Intermediate Automation Specialists

The Senior Automation Specialist is a technical leader responsible for the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of advanced automation systems. This role supports projects from initial concept through final installation and startup at customer facilities.

Working independently or as part of a cross-functional project team, the Senior Automation Specialist provides expertise in PLC programming, motion control, HMI development, and machine integration. This position plays a key role in ensuring reliable machine performance, supporting internal teams, and delivering high-quality automation solutions to customers.

This role requires strong experience with Rockwell Automation platforms and advanced motion applications in custom machinery environments.

Key Responsibilities

Automation System Development

• Design and implement PLC and HMI programs for custom automation systems
• Develop motion control solutions using Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs and servo systems
• Configure and integrate drives, motion control systems, and automation components
• Support machine concept development and technical feasibility during project kickoff
• Participate in system architecture and component selection

Project Execution

• Support projects through all phases including design, programming, testing, and commissioning
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and project management teams to ensure successful system integration
• Conduct machine testing and troubleshooting during build and FAT
• Provide on-site commissioning support at customer facilities
• Assist in resolving complex automation issues during installation and startup

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation specialists and technicians
• Support internal teams in troubleshooting controls and automation challenges
• Contribute to development of automation standards and best practices
• Maintain high quality documentation and programming standards

Client Interaction

• Support customer technical discussions during project execution
• Provide commissioning support and operator training as required
• Ensure customer requirements and system performance expectations are met

Engineering Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve:
  • engineering efficiency
  • design reuse
  • code standardization
• Implement tools and best practices that improve project delivery.

Training & Technical Development

• Identify technical skill gaps within the team.
• Support training programs in areas such as:
  • motion control
  • robotics
  • machine safety
  • programming standards
• Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Product / Platform Development and Technology Strategy

• Support new technology evaluation:
  • robotics
  • machine vision
  • motion platforms
  • AI / advanced automation

Qualifications & Experience

• Engineering Degree or Engineering Technology Diploma
• 7+ years of direct experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or machine integration
• Experience working for OEM machine builders or system integrators
• Expert level proficiency with the Rockwell suite of software and proficiency with Siemens
• Experience with 2 or more of the following:
  • Motion
  • Coordinated Drives
  • Vision
  • Robot (ABB/Fanuc)
  • Data collection
  • Safety
• Experience developing HMI applications
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or SolidWorks Electrical
• Must be fully self‑sufficient on site, with the ability to independently troubleshoot issues and work effectively with clients and contractors

Working Conditions & Travel

• Ability to travel to the United States for commissioning assignments (up to two weeks at a time)
• Ability to work in industrial environments

Compensation & Benefits

• $40.00/hr - $50.00/hr
• Overtime paid after 40 hours
• Company-sponsored pension (up to 5%)
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health/dental/vision
• Paid travel and expenses
• Opportunities for leadership development in a growing, innovation-focused company

Physical Requirements

All applicants must be able to:

• Walk up to 5 km/day
• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Work at heights and in confined spaces (training provided)
• Wear required PPE (safety shoes, glasses, vest, mask)
• React quickly to sounds and alarms

Engineering Manager – Automation & Packaging Solutions

Location: Brantford, ON
Company: ProVantage Automation
Website: provautomation.com

About ProVantage Automation

ProVantage Automation is a leading systems integrator specializing in customized factory automation solutions for the food & beverage, packaging, and paper converting industries across North America. From turnkey primary and secondary packaging lines to custom machinery designed in-house, we engineer, build, and deliver high-performance automation systems that help CPG clients gain a competitive edge.

Why Join ProVantage?

At ProVantage, our team is our value proposition. We’re looking for people who take pride in their craft and want to make a real impact — from concept to commissioning.

You will work closely with company leadership to shape engineering strategy and support the continued growth of ProVantage Automation. Expect projects that challenge and excite you — and a workplace where your voice matters.

About the Role

Reports To: VP, Operations

Direct Reports: Mechanical Design Lead, Electrical Design Lead, Automation Lead

As the Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for the output of all engineering departments. Your time will be split between allocating work, monitoring performance, training, and driving continuous improvement. You will work with the PM department on project budgets to manage direct report progress. You will be responsible for key decisions on projects pertaining to each department and have approval of engineering designs prior to release.  You will participate in FAT trials and assist with concept development. Your administrative duties will include approval of work hours for your direct reports, resource planning, recruitment and orientation of new team members, direct report performance reviews, department training programs & budget management. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leadership, variety, autonomy, and has an understanding across all project phases from concept to commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering team (mechanical, controls, electrical).
• Set clear expectations for quality, timelines, and technical standards.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and career development planning.
• Recruit, onboard, and mentor engineers and designers.
• Foster a collaborative engineering culture focused on problem solving and innovation.

Resource Planning & Work Allocation

• Allocate engineering resources across projects based on priority, complexity, and deadlines.
• Work closely with Project Managers to align engineering effort with project schedules.
• Monitor engineering workload and rebalance resources when projects shift.
• Forecast future engineering capacity and support hiring planning.

Technical Oversight & Design Authority

• Provide technical leadership and design guidance throughout projects.
• Review and approve key engineering deliverables:
  • machine concepts
  • mechanical designs
  • control architectures
  • safety systems
• Ensure designs meet:
  • customer requirements
  • safety standards
  • manufacturability
  • reliability

Concept Development & Quotation Support

• Participate in machine concept development during sales and proposal stages
• Participate in new product development and concept design
• Provide engineering input on:
  • machine architecture
  • cycle time feasibility
  • technology selection
  • risk areas
• Support accurate engineering effort estimates for proposals.

Engineering Process & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and improve engineering processes including:
  • design standards
  • document control
  • design review procedures
  • change management
• Identify opportunities to improve:
  • engineering efficiency
  • design reuse
  • standardization of machine modules
• Implement tools and best practices that improve project delivery
• Establish design review checkpoints to prevent late-stage issues.

Training & Technical Development

• Identify technical skill gaps within the team.
• Implement training programs in areas such as:
  • mechanical design standards
  • motion control
  • robotics
  • machine safety
  • programming standards
• Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Product / Platform Development and Technology Strategy

• Lead initiatives to develop standard machine platforms or modules
• Evaluate new technologies:

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 10+ years of direct experience in custom machine design (converting/packaging industry preferred)
• Eng or equivalent experience
• Proven leadership experience managing leaders/supervisors / engineers
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, GD&T, materials, and manufacturing processes
• Deep understanding of various motion systems: electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic
• Strong communication and project coordination skills
• Ability to travel (domestic & international)

Compensation & Benefits

• $130,000 - $160,000
• Company-sponsored pension (up to 5%)
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health/dental/vision
• Paid travel and expenses
• Opportunities for leadership development in a growing, innovation-focused company

Physical Requirements

All applicants must be able to:

• Walk up to 5 km/day
• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Work at heights and in confined spaces (training provided)
• Wear required PPE (safety shoes, glasses, vest, mask)
• React quickly to sounds and alarms

Who We Are

ProVantage Automation is a Systems Integrator manufacturing specialized machinery and integrating full packaging systems with expertise in advanced motion control. Our clients are primarily based across North America with a focus in paper converting and food & beverage industries.

We Want You!

We seek solution-orientated and driven individuals to join our team. With dedication to providing ultimate customer satisfaction, you will be providing your own touches to all phases of projects. Participating in phases such as applications, design, assembly checks, testing and commissioning.

Our client’s success is our prime responsibility. Collaborative innovation is what sets us apart.

You’ll be faced with projects that will challenge and excite you. As a specialized Systems Integrator, our growing and enthusiastic staff all share a common passion for pushing the limits of automation and ensuring each project is a success.

Job Description: Automation Specialist (Full-time, Permanent)

As an Automation Specialist, your experience will help drive project decisions and you will be tasked with creating creative solutions to client requests. Automation Specialists are given mentors to learn our methods; we will equally listen to recommendations to adapt and evolve our standards. Projects will range from small service trips up to multi-million-dollar projects with teams. The successful candidate for this position will be involved in component selection, design, electrical schematic drafting, programming (PLC’s, robots & HMI’s), testing and commissioning! The opportunity to take a project through all life cycles of the project is something our Automation Specialists pride themselves on.

The machines we work on range from small special purpose assembly machines to large converting machines; no two projects are ever the same. We operate in a fast-paced, high empowerment workplace so self-motivated individuals looking for a challenge, this is for you!

Essential Skills & Experience

Required skills and experience:

• Relevant technical experience within the controls and automation field

Well qualified candidates will have:

• Experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs
• Proficiency in developing, programming, and commissioning ABB and FANUC robotic systems
• Experience with VFDs, servo drives, and motion control systems
• Proficient in programming and commissioning machine vision systems, including Cognex and Keyence cameras
• Ability to commission, troubleshoot, and support Ethernet/IP network architecture
• Strong ability to review, interpret, and red-line third-party electrical drawings
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
• Experience creating and maintaining system documentation
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to work remotely while maintaining efficiency and quality of work
• Ability to travel locally and internationally for up to two weeks at a time
• Located within 45 minutes of our office (Brantford, Ontario)

Experience Required

• 3+ Years of electrical and controls experience with preference given to specific focus and expertise around Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation controls infrastructure.

Education

• Degree or Diploma in Electrical or Controls Engineering

All applicants must be able to perform the following tasks as an automation specialist

• Walk up to 5 km per day
• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Stand and work at heights (training will be provided if required)
• Work in confined spaces (training will be provided if required)
• React quickly to sounds
• Wear protective gear, including safety shoes, glasses, vests, and masks as required

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary: $30 - $40 / hour dependent on experience
• Paid overtime after 40 Hours
• Employer paid extended health care and dental group benefits
• Employers pension plan match program
• Paid vacation time
• Per diem for travel
• Positive and accommodating workplace
• Training and support to complete tasks assigned

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday