- Location
- ON
- Workplace
- Remote
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Engineering
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- ApplyToJob
Description
Role: Senior Controls and Automation Engineer
Sun Gro Horticulture is one of the most prominent North American horticultural companies, employing over 800 staff and serving customers worldwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1929, it has become the leading supplier of soilless growing mixes to North America’s top 100 greenhouse and nursery growers, shipping over 70,000 truckloads of product annually. Sun Gro products are made to exacting standards and conform to high product quality and performance criteria.
Sun Gro Horticulture recognizes that its success is due to the strength of its employees. The primary goal of Sun Gro® is to promote individual employees’ sense of accomplishment and contribution so that employees enjoy their association with Sun Gro Horticulture. The Company invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts to nurture loyalty to, and teamwork at, Sun Gro.
Job Summary:
Reporting to regional engineering leadership, the successful candidate will lead the transformation of legacy and obsolete control systems across Sun Gro Horticulture’s North American manufacturing operations while supporting day-to-day operational controls needs. This role involves designing, integrating, and deploying new control platforms, software, hardware, and equipment to modernize plant automation and ensure operational excellence.
Location:
Corporate Engineering – Multi-Site Support (Canada & USA)
Remote based in Canada or the U.S. with 75% travel required
Compensation:
Comp Range - $140,000+
Benefits:
Health Insurance (includes telemedicine, virtual health, FSA, HCSA & other benefits)
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Health Spending Account
Employee Support and Mental Wellness
Short-term disability
401k Match / RRSP Match
Paid vacation
Floating days
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Engagement Events
Awards and Recognition
Tuition Reimbursement
Service Awards
Employee Perks & Discounts
Job Responsibilities:
Lead multi-site controls system modernization and equipment automation, migrating from legacy platforms to current technologies (e.g., Rockwell FactoryTalk, Inductive Ignition)
Collaborate with integrators to specify, design, test, and implement automation and control systems including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, safety systems, and industrial networks
Oversee installation, commissioning, and validation of automation upgrades, control panel retrofits, and network architecture improvements
Develop and maintain new process control systems and improve existing processes
Manage contractors, consultants, and suppliers for automation projects
Provide strategic controls support and troubleshooting to 16 North American plants
Maintain corporate programming, documentation, drawing standards, and change logs for all automation platforms
Design, review, and update electrical schematics, P&IDs, one-line diagrams, and panel layouts in compliance with UL508a, NEC, and NFPA 70E standards
Establish predictive and preventive maintenance protocols for automation assets and upskill local plant technicians
Participate in and lead stage gate reviews for controls scope in capital projects
Interface with Corporate IT to align plant automation with IT infrastructure standards
Plan and schedule projects, including capital expenditure preparation
Monitor emerging technologies and assess pilot automation solutions for scalability
Act as controls subject matter expert for plant maintenance teams
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong project management and change leadership skills
Hands-on experience with brownfield controls and automation upgrades in operating plant environments
Expertise in Rockwell Automation (RSView32, FactoryTalk) and Inductive Ignition platforms
Skilled in PLC logic, HMI screens, servo motion control, and safety PLC systems
Knowledge of industrial Ethernet networking, remote I/O systems, and instrumentation calibration
Ability to work with integrators and contractors to implement automation systems
Proficient with AutoCAD, MS Project, Excel, and common controls diagnostic tools
Excellent communicator able to lead cross-functional initiatives and coach plant teams
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology diploma
P.Eng. or CET designation preferred
Minimum 5 years of industrial automation experience, including control system migration, design, integration, and plant operations support
Hands-on commissioning and start-up experience in large-scale projects (>$10M)
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift up to 25 kg
Frequent travel over 75% across North America
Exposure to plant conditions including loud noise, heat, cold, and industrial equipment
Work Environment:
Office-based with frequent exposure to manufacturing environments
Frequent travel across North American sites to support project and operational needs
- This is a safety sensitive position
