Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Automation Specialist is responsible for maximizing the operational performance, reliability, and availability of production equipment through automation, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives. The incumbent acts as the plant's technical reference for automation systems and supports operations, maintenance, engineering, and production teams in troubleshooting equipment failures, optimizing machine performance, improving reliability, and implementing sustainable solutions. The Automation Specialist actively contributes to the plant's continuous improvement culture by identifying opportunities to increase equipment uptime, reduce losses, improve process stability, and support the implementation of future technologies, automation solutions, and digital tools that enhance operational efficiency. the challenges we have for you Automation Support & Troubleshooting Provide frontline technical support for automation and control systems during planned and unplanned production events. Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, network, instrumentation, drive, and control system issues. Support maintenance and operations teams during critical breakdowns. Perform root cause analysis of recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions. Maintain automation documentation, backups, and revision control. Reliability & Equipment Performance Improve equipment availability, reliability, and operational efficiency. Analyze downtime and equipment performance data to identify improvement opportunities. Develop and implement action plans to improve:



Equipment uptime Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) Process stability Production throughput Support predictive and preventive maintenance strategies. Programming & Controls Engineering Program, modify, and maintain PLC and HMI applications. Support multiple automation platforms including: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Siemens Schneider Electric Develop and optimize machine sequences, alarms, interlocks, and operating logic. Ensure automation systems remain reliable, secure, and maintainable. Continuous Improvement Lead automation-related continuous improvement initiatives. Support Lean Manufacturing, OEE improvement, and waste reduction projects. Participate in Kaizen and operational excellence initiatives. Use data and analytics to drive decision-making and performance improvements. Future Technologies & Digital Transformation Evaluate and support the implementation of emerging technologies that improve operational performance. Participate in automation modernization projects. Contribute to the deployment of advanced monitoring systems, vision systems, industrial data collection, and AI-assisted solutions where relevant. Support the integration of Industry 4.0 tools and digital manufacturing initiatives. Assist in identifying technologies that can improve productivity, quality, reliability, and maintenance effectiveness. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and health & safety teams. Provide technical training and knowledge

📌 Automation Specialist (Chilliwack)
🏢 Soprema
📍 Chilliwack