ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.

Senior Controls Systems Software Designer

Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Post-secondary degree in Mechatronics, Systems, Electrical, or Computer Engineering.
  • 5+ years of PLC programming experience, preferably with Allen Bradley or Siemens software.
  • 3 years of hands-on experience in an automation/controls environment with SCADA and MES systems.
  • Proficient in structured test programming languages such as Visual Basic, C#, and Python.
  • Experience in Just-In-Time environments with mission-critical systems is essential.
  • Strong mechanical and electrical problem-solving skills required.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with diverse teams and clients.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop software programs according to project requirements using ATS programming standards.
  • Program PLCs using Ladder logic and structured test languages from scratch.
  • Select, test, and integrate hardware/software components, including robotics and vision systems.
  • Debug and commission systems at installation sites, with up to 20% travel required.
  • Collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance controls technology integration.
  • Test machine functionality thoroughly to ensure software completeness and provide accurate documentation.
  • Mentor junior team members and assist in management duties in the absence of team leadership.

Benefits

  • Eligible for an annual incentive bonus.
  • Participation in a stock purchase plan.
  • Enjoy 3 weeks of vacation annually.
  • Comprehensive health care benefits plus a $600 health care spending account.
  • Engagement in employee events, including BBQs and weekly treat days.
  • Access to employee development programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Total Compensation & Benefits
• Pay Rate: $42.31 - $58.17
• Eligible for Annual Incentive Bonus
• Stock Purchase Plan
• 3 Weeks Vacation
• Health Care Benefits + $600 Health Care Spending Account
• Employee Engagement Events (Employee BBQ's and lunches, weekly treat day, etc.)
• Employee Development Programs

Major Duties

As a member of a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team, you will design and develop world-class automation solutions while planning and leading projects with full responsibility for project teams, schedules, milestones, and budgets. The role involves contributing to machine concepts, designing and integrating control software with electrical and mechanical systems, and mentoring junior controls team members. You will support process development and machine installation at customer sites worldwide, working with leading-edge technologies such as PLCs, PCs, robotics, motion controllers, vision systems, lasers, and other controllers, including programming PLCs to interface with SCADA systems like Ignition, ATS SAMS, and ATS Test Executive.

Specific Responsibilities
• Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements based on standard ATS programming methods (ATS Global Code Standard)
• In depth programming in environments mainly using PLC Ladder logic (Rockwell / Siemens platforms), and structured test (i.e. shell scripting, Visual Basic, C#, Python)
• Ability to reverse-engineer and write PLC code from scratch
• Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, I/O, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems and lasers.
• Debug and commission control systems at our facility, during the system integration stage and then at the customer's site during installation. Travel to both domestic and international customer locations for SAT (up to 20% travel per year)
• Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and reduced cost.
• Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems to provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
• Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
• Provide accurate documentation for each project and training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles and program structure).
• Advise customer on solving technical problems as a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
• Improve the knowledge and capability of other members of the department through mentoring. Responsible for meeting Team Member level KPIs as assigned. (Budget, Schedule, Quality, CI)
• Assist with the Team Leader's responsibilities during their absence and periodically supervise the software development and integration effort on at a team level delegating tasks to a team of people.
• Responsible for communicating time estimates and resource requirements on controls tasks to the Team Leader and at times the Project managers.
• Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.

Qualifications

Education:
• A post-secondary degree specializing in Mechatronics, Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering.

Experience:
• 5+ years of experience programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Human/Machine Interfaces (HMI) using Allen Bradley (Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer) or Siemens (TIA Portal) software
• 3 years of experience in a hands-on automation/controls environment working on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) systems
• Proficiency in understanding programs written in structured test (i.e. Visual Basic, C#, Python, languages). Strong programming, mechanical and electrical problem-solving skills.
• Experience with configuration/troubleshooting of instrumentation (power supplies, meters, sensors, safety switches, etc.) using vendor software and interfaces
• Experience working in Just-In-Time environments and on mission critical systems
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding of robotics, control systems and machine operation with hands-on experience is required
• A self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Health & Safety Requirements

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.

Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:
• Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defect in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable
• Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct

This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization.

The ATS applicant tracking system may utilize AI software with pre-defined, rule-based filters to organize and manage application materials. Rule-based filters operate solely on fixed criteria and do not perform autonomous evaluation or generate independent recommendations. All hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment.

If you're excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.

About ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. is a Canadian company that designs and builds factory automation systems. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario. ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. operates through four segments: Automation Systems Group, Life Sciences, Renewable Energy and IT. The company provides custom automation solutions to a variety of industries, including automotive, consumer products, electronics, energy, healthcare, and others. ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Learn more about ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.
Size
5,000 employees
Industry

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