Co-op/Intern Student - Automation Specialist, Configuration & Design at Spartan Controls Ltd.

Spartan Controls is an employee-owned company and leading provider of data management, industrial automation, valves, measurement and control solutions for process industries in Western Canada and beyond. We are dedicated to providing exceptional sales, support and service experiences for our diverse customer base in industries such as mining, power, oil & gas, municipal, pulp & paper, and chemical.

Spartan is committed to creating a sustainable modern world with innovative automation. Our focus is Customer Outcomes. By leveraging applied automation we assist customers improving their Safety, Reliability, Operations and Productivity.

Our employee ownership model creates a unique culture of community, creativity, entrepreneurship, and a place to build your career. Spartan Controls provides an environment that not only encourages you to do your best, but also empowers you to do what it takes to create a solution, address a need, or respond to an issue.

Summary

We are recruiting for Automation Specialist Co-op Students to work with our Systems, Software & Solutions Team, in Calgary. The successful candidates will work within a project team to apply automation knowledge and experience in configuration, system design, application development, commissioning, system testing and start-up on new and existing integrated solutions within our Process Systems and Software &/or Machinery Performance business units.

Work Term – 16 months, starting May 2026

Role and Responsibilities

To assist with the following (training provided):

• Technical application and implementation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control Systems (DCS): configuration of input/output signals, control logic configuration, creation of Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens
• Documentation of control strategies and configuration
• Troubleshoot code/configuration to improve, modify, add and fix
• Conduct internal and external Hardware and Software Acceptance Testing
• Assist team in providing technical support during system shutdown and start-up activities
• Assist team in maintaining development/test equipment
• Assist team with process improvements and tool/application development initiatives

Qualifications and Skills

• Current Engineering student: Electrical, Instrument, Computer, or Chemical Engineering
• Students enrolled in a post-secondary Co-op/Internship program, returning to school in September 2027 are preferred.
• Demonstrated issue ownership
• Demonstrated Customer Service and Sales in an industrial environment an asset
• A working knowledge of control system programming languages (i.e. PLC ladder logic, Function Block Diagrams, Structured Text)
• A working knowledge of general programming languages (i.e. Python, VB, C#, etc.) an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office programs; Word, Power Point, Excel
• High level technical skills and ability to learn in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and time management skills
• Collaborative team player and strong work principles
• Excellent office organizational and operational skills
• Detail oriented
• Entrepreneurial work ethic
• Familiarity with engineering documents (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Cause and Effects (C&E), Input/Output Lists (I/O Lists), Alarm Lists, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), etc.) an asset

Spartan is committed to providing a safe workplace for all employees. This position is classified as safety-sensitive, and as such, the successful candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment alcohol & drug test.

Spartan recognizes that there are many ways in which candidates develop knowledge, abilities, and competencies throughout their careers. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of backgrounds and we do consider qualifications and competencies that are equivalent to those specifically mentioned above.

Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and those candidates selected for the next steps in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.

As part of our recruitment process, successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment security background check.

Close Date: January 15, 2026 (11:59 pm MST)

Requisition ID: 1696