SENIOR AUTOMATION SPECIALIST

Location: Cambridge, ON

Salary: $80,000–$95,000/year

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Industry: Industrial Automation / Systems Integration

ABOUT US
STRIVE is a specialist recruitment firm offering proactive recruitment solutions in the areas of Accounting & Finance, Corporate Administration, Manufacturing & Operations, Special Projects and Technology.

We are currently working with an established organization specializing in industrial automation and systems integration that is looking for an experienced Senior Automation Specialist to join its team in Cambridge, Ontario.

THE ROLE
If you are an experienced automation professional with strong Siemens PLC programming, HMI programming, robot integration, and commissioning experience , this is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior, hands-on technical role working on custom automation projects.

The Senior Automation Specialist will be involved throughout the project lifecycle, including controls development, PLC and HMI programming, robotic integration, testing, troubleshooting, installation, startup, and commissioning.

This position requires someone who can work independently on complex automation systems while collaborating with mechanical, electrical, controls, and project teams. As a senior member of the group, you will also provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members.

The successful candidate must have strong hands-on Siemens PLC experience , along with direct experience programming and integrating industrial robots. Travel is limited to moderate and will primarily occur during customer installations, startup, and commissioning.

ADVANTAGES

Salary: $80,000–$95,000/year

Permanent, full-time opportunity

Compensation structure may include an hourly arrangement with overtime

Senior-level, hands-on automation position

Opportunity to work on custom industrial automation and robotic integration projects

Exposure to projects from initial programming through final commissioning

Opportunity to provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior team members

Work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, drives, servo systems, and other automation technologies

Limited to moderate travel, primarily for installation and commissioning

Opportunity to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary technical teams

RESPONSIBILITIES





Develop, program, test, troubleshoot, and commission industrial automation and control systems

Program Siemens PLCs for custom industrial automation applications

Develop, program, and modify HMI systems and operator interfaces

Program and integrate industrial robotic systems, including multi-axis robots and pick-and-place applications

Develop PLC and HMI logic from scratch and work with existing customer programming standards and templates

Review controls and hardware designs to ensure systems meet project and customer requirements

Test and simulate controls software prior to installation and commissioning

Perform system startup, debugging, testing, and commissioning at customer locations

Program, configure, test, and commission drives, motors, servo systems, VFDs, soft starters, and other motion‑control equipment

Troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, programming, and equipment issues

Review electrical drawings, automation architectures, communication networks, panel layouts, and controls documentation

Participate in the development and integration of complete automation solutions

Provide technical support to customers remotely and on‑site as required

Work closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, and project teams throughout project execution

Support project planning, scheduling, technical documentation, deliverables, and scope requirements

Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to junior automation team members

Maintain protected working practices throughout programming, testing, installation, startup, and commissioning activities

Travel to customer sites as required, primarily for installation and commissioning

REQUIREMENTS

5+ years of hands‑on industrial automation experience

Strong Siemens PLC programming experience is an absolute requirement

Hands‑on industrial robot programming and integration experience is required

Solid PLC and HMI programming experience is required





Demonstrated experience with automation system programming, testing, troubleshooting, startup, and commissioning

Strong understanding of industrial controls and automation architectures

Experience working with electrical drawings, control panels, industrial networks, and automation hardware

Experience troubleshooting PLC, HMI, robotic, electrical, and controls‑related issues

Strong electrical and mechanical aptitude

Experience working with multiple automation hardware components and technologies

Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to understand and diagnose systems and programs developed by others

Ability to work independently and take ownership of technical assignments

Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Previous experience mentoring, coaching, or providing technical direction to junior team members

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Comfortable interacting directly with customers during project execution and commissioning

Comfortable travelling to customer sites as required

ASSETS

Experience working within a custom automation or systems integration environment

Experience designing, programming, or commissioning robotic cells

Experience with servo systems, VFDs, motors, soft starters, and motion‑control applications

Experience with industrial communication networks and automation architectures

Exposure to multiple PLC, HMI, robotics, and automation hardware platforms

Experience supporting projects from initial controls development through final customer commissioning and handover

Experience providing technical leadership or mentorship within an automation team

WORK ENVIRONMENT

On‑site position in Cambridge, Ontario

Hands‑on technical automation and systems integration environment

Works closely with mechanical, electrical, controls, project management, and customer teams

Limited to moderate travel, primarily associated with customer installation, startup, and commissioning

Some customer support may be required outside of regular business hours depending on project requirements

Ideal for a senior automation professional who enjoys programming, troubleshooting, commissioning, solving complex technical problems, and mentoring others

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📌 Senior Automation Specialist (Ontario)
🏢 STRIVE Recruitment
📍 Ontario