Senior Controls Engineer

Kitchener Executive Consultants Inc. has partnered with a multi-faceted organization who designs, manufactures, and distributes both proprietary branded products, as well as contract manufactured materials, that are sold into a variety of industries including the Automotive Sector and the Commercial/Industrial Construction markets. We are supporting the hire of a Senior Controls Engineer, reporting to the Director of Engineering & Maintenance. The role is accountable for the design, development, and optimization of control systems, electrical and mechanical equipment, and plant machinery. It combines both strategic oversight and hands-on execution, requiring the ability to lead complex projects while also providing direct technical support across operations and engineering functions.

The Senior Controls Engineer will manage full-cycle capital and improvement projects, from concept and design through budgeting, procurement, installation, and commissioning. The role requires consistent evaluation of plant processes to identify and implement changes that enhance productivity, efficiency, and safety.

A significant component of the role is leadership and mentorship. The Senior Controls Engineer will guide and support operations, maintenance teams, and junior engineers, providing expertise in troubleshooting, programming, and component specification. They will supervise contractors and skilled trades when necessary, while ensuring compliance with safety codes, risk assessments, and industry regulations.

The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years of electrical/controls engineering experience in a medium to large manufacturing environment, ideally within capital intensive and process driven environments. A P.Eng designation is required along with proven project management experiences, including oversight of capital projects. Technical proficiency must include AutoCAD, PLC, HMI, and VFD programming (Siemens, Rockwell, ABB), as well as Safety PLC programming, risk assessments, and safeguarding implementation. Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, FTP, TCP/IP) is expected, along with experience in vision systems such as Keyence or Cognex. The role also demands a solid understanding of electrical codes, Arc Flash safety training, and prior experience supervising skilled trades in a unionized environment.