Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Quebec (NOW HIRING)

Headquartered in Montreal and Berlin, Vention helps manufacturers automate their operations in record time with the only hardware and software AI-powered platform built for the factory floor. Our technology powers over 25,000 machines across 4,000 factories across 5 continents and we have the privilege to work with a significant proportion of Fortune 500 manufacturers, from space rockets, to electrical cars, to robotics.

At Vention, you’ll work alongside driven and talented people who care deeply about their craft and the impact they create. We’re a team of high achievers who grow through meaningful work, solving complex challenges, learning fast, and seeing the results of our efforts every day.

We move quickly and aim high, but we do it together with care, collaboration, and respect. Our culture celebrates diverse perspectives and supports your growth through intentional development, strong leadership, and opportunities to make a real difference.

As a Embedded Developer at Vention…

You'll contribute to the technical layer that bridges hardware and software, designing the real-time components, the Linux service architecture, and the APIs that let our customers extend the platform. You'll work across the full stack of an embedded Linux product, from bare-metal peripheral interfaces to versioned API contracts.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys technical ownership from hardware interfacing to clean software architecture, who can work collaboratively, and who wants to take their technical skills and career to the next level.

What You’ll Do

• Develop real-time motion and communication components using modern C++.
• Contribute and maintain Python-based microservices (FastAPI, MQTT, orchestration services) running on embedded Linux systems
• Contribute and maintain gRPC APIs and Protobuf service contracts to enable robust, versioned communication between real-time components, system services, and external clients
• Design and contribute APIs (C++ and Python) enabling customers and partners to build applications on top of the MachineMotion platform
• Own Linux service architecture (systemd, networking, permissions, device access, observability, logging, watchdog strategies)
• Improve system robustness through failure-mode analysis, structured logging, health monitoring, and service isolation
• Debug complex issues using logs, packet captures, hardware instrumentation (oscilloscope, logic analyzer), and system-level diagnostics
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, automated regression testing, and long-term maintainability

What You Bring to the Table

We’re looking for skills, intellect, and experiences that will help you succeed in this role but we also know that various profiles (not only the one described below) could be successful. If you’re excited about what you read and think you’d be a great fit, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every single qualification.

You’ll bring:

Required:

• B.S. in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative field (M.S. a plus)
• 2-4 years contributing to production software in product development teams
• Fluency in modern C++ (C++17 or later) and Python daily-use level, not familiarity
• Knowledge of the Linux system stack, including systemd, networking configurations, and inter-process communication mechanisms.
• A strong sense of ownership across the full software lifecycle

Nice to have:

• Understanding of distributed system design and the trade-offs involved
• Hands-on experience with embedded peripherals (GPIO, ADC/DAC, PWM, DMA, clocks, interrupts) and the protocols that ride on them (I²C, SPI, UART, CAN, RS-485)
• Experience designing responsive, deterministic systems where latency and predictability matter
• Experience with Yocto, BuildRoot, or building custom Linux distributions
• Real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or RTOS experience
• History shipping and maintaining public APIs
• Background in motion control, robotics, or industrial automation
• Fluency reading schematics and circuit board layouts
• OTA update systems for fielded embedded devices

What We Offer

• Career pathing: Real opportunities to grow through personalized development plans, bi-annual employee reviews, and mentorship program 
• Professional development: Continuous training in performance management, inclusive leadership, leadership operating model, team building, and giving/receiving feedback
• Gender diversity & inclusion: Pay equity reviews, inclusive policies, and a Women’s Employee Resource Group offering networking, mentorship, and quarterly learning sessions.
• Hybrid work: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid model, allowing you to work from home on select days.
• Community engagement: Two paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes you care about.
• Central location: Regular team gatherings and a collaborative office space in the heart of Montreal, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
• Team events: All year round employee events including annual kick-off, employee summit, quarterly happy hours, and department events.
• Comprehensive benefits: A complete group benefits plan for you and your family that start day one.
• Top-up and benefits for new parents: Additional financial support and resources to support employees during their transition to parenthood.

What to Expect in Your Interview

• Initial Call
• Meet the Team
• Case or take-home interview
• Decision & Offer

We’re committed to making every step of the process inclusive and accessible. If you require accommodations at any stage, please let us know, we’ll ensure you have what you need to succeed.

Professional Growth & Development

Vention believes strongly in promotion from within. For this reason, we structured a comprehensive professional development program that elevate high-performing individuals who deeply understand the inner workings of Vention. This program encompasses:

• In-house coaching program with former industry executives working with small cohort of emerging leaders
• Quarterly management training on topics ranging from “Giving & Receiving Feedback, to Building high-performing teams, to "Developing your own Leadership model”
• Quarterly World-Class Speaker Series featuring industry leaders sharing their perspective and lessons learned as they build their function and business
• Dedicated professional development channels sponsored by the Executive team to foster continuous professional learning
• Book allocation program to further your knowledge in your domain of expertise or any business leadership topics

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Vention

When you join Vention, you join a team of professionals with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Together, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs, feels valued, and can achieve extraordinary results.

We celebrate differences in ideas, in experiences, and in people. Our initiatives in gender equity, career growth, and leadership development are designed to create real opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Vention’s culture

Vention is an uplifting environment for high achievers. Thinking that Vention’s culture would keep you energized? See our full culture guide here.