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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Controls Technician II

Calgary, AB

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... automation support teams. * Create new solutions to issues including specifying new components and creating engineering drawings to accompany. Qualifications * 4+ Years of related electrical controls ...

Hybrid #LI-Hybrid This role is contributing to the Automation Energy Industries division in either ... Our group actively engages in substation design, protection and controls engineering, power system ...

Hybrid #LI-Hybrid This role is contributing to the Automation Energy Industries division in either ... Our group actively engages in substation design, protection and controls engineering, power system ...

Engineer - Mechatronics

Calgary, AB · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Mechatronics Engineer Calgary, Alberta Ayrton Energy's mission is to propel the global shift ... You are a trusted technical resource for instrumentation, controls, and automation challenges * You ...

Mechatronics Engineer Calgary, Alberta Ayrton Energy's mission is to propel the global shift ... You are a trusted technical resource for instrumentation, controls, and automation challenges * You ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Alberta salary details

$49K

$90.1K

$115K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Alberta is $90,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What does an automation controls engineer do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges automation controls engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Alberta?

For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Alberta are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in AB?

For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,081 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Lead Substation Engineer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Calgary, AB • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of protective relaying and controls systems for HV and EHV substations. As a Lead Substtion Engineer, you will:

  • Lead of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of substation modifications and upgrades to support client requirements and reviews including creating calculations, document designs, and specifications.
  • Prepare relaying philosophies, including selecting relay, control, and communications equipment, developing SCADA and telecommunication concepts and configurations, and overseeing the preparation of I/O assignments and connection diagrams.
  • Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of the engineering work.
  • Support assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of engineering issues.
  • Perform analysis and design of single line diagrams, substation relaying & metering diagrams (i.e. A.C. schematic diagrams), and D.C. Schematic diagrams.
  • Prepare engineering studies for client and peer review.
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
  • Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.
  • Perform reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
  • Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in Canada for this position.

This position may require access to U.S. export-controlled information. As such, candidates must be a citizen of a country listed in Appendix A to Part 810 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Please click here to determine your eligibility.

Essential skills and experience:

  • This position requires a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree.
  • 10 or more years experience with a focus on protection / control / telecommunications for high voltage substations; including design, installation, and coordination.
  • PE or P.Eng license.
  • Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for relay calculations.
  • Experience with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Proficiency with any of the following programs: SKM, ETAP, ASPEN, CDEGS, or vendor software.
  • Familiarity with design codes and standards, such as NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI.
  • Experience with various vendor protective relay equipment typically used in substation protection, including SEL, ABB, GE, Areva, and Basler.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • A Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree is preferrable.
  • A degree from a Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board-accredited undergraduate program or a US based ABET-accredited program.
  • Prior experience is desirable to include in-line, bus and equipment protection, breaker, transformer and similar equipment control, RTU and data concentrator based SCADA systems, telemetering and communications (fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.).
  • AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.
  • Construction and start-up experience.
  • Testing or commissioning experience.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.


$130,193 - $179,016
This posting is to fill an existing vacancy. Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all provincial and federal legislation. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
Sargent and Lundy is fully committed to abiding by all equal opportunity employment standards. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All our employment practices are solely based on individual merit and our organization's needs at the time. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We embrace the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the candidate experience and streamline our recruitment process. AI-enabled tools may support certain stages of recruitment, but human judgment remains central to the candidate experience, and all hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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