The Controls & Robotics PLC supervisor will serve as a key technical and leadership resource, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and reliability of robotic and control systems, including ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, Siemens, and other advanced platforms.
This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing automation, enhancing throughput, and enabling continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and talent development.
Specific Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Controls and Robotics specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning
- Develop and execute a long-term roadmap for automation and controls capability across multiple sites
- Champion workforce development initiatives to elevate technical competencies in PLCs, robotics, HMI, and automation systems
Operational Excellence & Technical Oversight:
- Provide expert guidance in diagnosing and resolving complex controls and robotics issues across all manufacturing divisions
- Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures for robotic and PLCs, HMIs, and Robotics (Fanuc/Comau) systems to minimize downtime and optimize performance
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for automation-related failures and inefficiencies
- Review, verify and diagnose design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies with controls logic and/or robotics logic provided by our suppliers and proactively recommend revisions and/or improvements
- Understanding of Sensors, Cameras, Vision Systems, Sorters, VFDs, End Effectors, Robots and related controls for automated systems
Systems Integration & Innovation:
- Oversee the design, programming, and integration of advanced control systems including Siemens, Rockwell, and Allen Bradley platforms
- Drive continuous improvement through software enhancements, logic optimization, and offline/online programming methodologies
- Collaborate with engineering, IT, and production teams to implement scalable automation solutions aligned with business goals
- Use thorough understanding of control systems in terms of electrical, motion, vision, pneumatic & hydraulic controls
Governance & Documentation:
- Ensure comprehensive documentation of system changes, revision histories, and lessons learned
- Develop and maintain training programs for associates and maintenance personnel on robotic systems and automation protocols
This position is for an existing vacancy.
Compensation: The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $125,000 per year.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, automation, or related technical field (BSEE or BSME preferred)
- Minimum EIGHT (8) years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation, with a focus on PLCs and robotics
- Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional technical teams
- Expertise in PLC and robotic programming, HMI configuration, system simulations and troubleshooting operational issues (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka)
- Strong understanding of Body-in-White processes and robotic welding applications
- Must have architecture understanding, troubleshooting and configuration of drivers and motors
- Proficiency in RS Logix, PLC-5, Allen Bradley Drive Systems
- Project management experience in automation or system integration
- Proficiency with Microsoft application software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Experience with control net networks and device net networks
- Ability to work all shifts and flexible hours
- Legally eligible to work in Canada
