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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in British Columbia

JLL

Automation Manager

Delta, BC

The role requires strong knowledge of engineering principles, programming, and control system ... Hands-on experience with motor controls (VFDs, DC drives, starters) and industrial electrical ...

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Automation Controls Engineer information

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.

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Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in British Columbia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Controls and Automation Engineer

Saltworks Technologies

Richmond, BC • On-site

CA$95K - CA$120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Saltworks Technologies is a leading Canadian cleantech company solving two of the world's most pressing challenges: water sustainability and critical minerals supply. We design and build advanced industrial water treatment and lithium refining systems for global leaders in semiconductors, mining, automotive, and industrial processing.

Saltworks is a 2025 Technology Fast 50 company and EY Entrepreneur of the Year award winner. We lead our industry in adopting and developing AI across our products, projects, and operations. Join us and build skills defining the next era of engineering and industrial systems.

The role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Controls & Automation Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary team. Our Controls & Automation team provides engineering design expertise to our complex and highly specialized systems. You will collaborate with multiple teams and develop innovative solutions to some of the toughest environmental challenges facing our planet.
Your main tasks will include:

  • Generating controls & automation system design documents, including state flow diagrams, sequence charts, control narratives, etc.
  • Delivering complete controls & automation packages of complex water treatment process plants that include I/O mapping, PLC code, HMI screens, etc.
  • Setting up operator-friendly simulations of the controls & automation system and facilitating thorough simulation testing.
  • Supporting commissioning and troubleshooting of controls & automation systems.
  • Interfacing with third-party vendor sub-systems using common industrial communication protocols, including Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and Peer-to-Peer Messaging.
  • Working closely with Process-Control Engineers to ensure control narrative accuracy and working towards eliminating gaps between Process and Controls.
  • Occasionally traveling to plant installations and working with customers for start-up and commissioning.

You will be a great fit if you have:

  • A degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechatronics Engineering. 
  • Registered (or eligible to register) as a Professional Engineer with EGBC.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • 5 – 8 years of work experience designing, implementing, and commissioning controls & automation systems (Machinery or Process Solutions). 
  • Experience with programming in Ladder, STL, FBD, and SFC languages and programming PLCs and HMIs with Siemens STEP 7, Siemens WinCC, Allen Bradley Studio 5000, Factory Talk, and Ignition Perspective. 
  • Experience identifying and troubleshooting controls and automation system bugs, often under tight deadlines.
  • Process library experience is a plus (Plant PAX/Siemens APL). 

Why join Saltworks?

At Saltworks, you'll collaborate with talented colleagues to solve complex, real-world problems – designing and delivering innovative water treatment and lithium refining systems for some of the world's most recognized companies. Every team member contributes meaningfully, from early-stage development through field deployment.
Saltworks is investing intentionally in artificial intelligence for engineering and technical work. Engineering offers one of the longest runways for AI-driven productivity and automation, and Saltworks aims to be at the forefront of this shift. We provide the training, computational capacity, and practical tools needed for engineers and technical professionals to apply AI meaningfully in their work.

Why join Saltworks?

At Saltworks, you'll collaborate with talented colleagues to solve complex, real-world problems – designing and delivering innovative water treatment and lithium refining systems for some of the world's most recognized companies. Every team member contributes meaningfully, from early-stage development through field deployment.
Saltworks is investing intentionally in artificial intelligence for engineering and technical work. Engineering offers one of the longest runways for AI-driven productivity and automation, and Saltworks aims to be at the forefront of this shift. We provide the training, computational capacity, and practical tools needed for engineers and technical professionals to apply AI meaningfully in their work.

We offer:

  • Competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, vision, RRSP matching, life insurance, AD&D coverage, and an education allowance.
  • Culture built on safety, innovation, diversity, and continuous learning.
  • Collaborative, cross-functional team environment where every member contributes to project outcomes.
  • Regular social activities and company events.

How to apply:

If you would like to join the Saltworks team, please submit your resume (cover letters are not required).
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications are considered confidential

Kindly, no recruiters.

Salary: $95,000 to $120,000 per year (negotiable based on your experience, qualifications, and internal equity). 

Location: 13800 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC V6W 1A8

#LI-Onsite 

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