Sr. Controls and Automation Engineer, North America

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.

 

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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.

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Location:

Corporate Engineering – Multi-Site Support (Canada & USA)

• Remote based in Canada or the U.S. with 75% travel required

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Compensation:

Comp Range - $140,000+

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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