1

Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Strong PLC programming experience * Proven experience building automated machinery from concept ... Open to intermediate and senior candidates. The posted comp range reflects intermediate level. Open ...

Intermediate Controls Integrator

Waterloo, ON · On-site

CA$37.85 - CA$47.31/hr

... senior authority. Generally responsible for the design and programming of complete lines or stand ... controls department or on the same projects Provides input to management with respect to the ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Ontario salary details

$69K

$103.9K

$140.5K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Ontario is $103,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Senior Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Ontario are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Ontario?

For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,922 per year, or $50 per hour.

Senior Controls Systems Software Designer

ATS Automation

Woodbridge, ON

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Total Compensation & Benefits
•    Pay Rate: $42.31 - $58.17
•    Eligible for Annual Incentive Bonus
•    Stock Purchase Plan
•    3 Weeks Vacation
•    Health Care Benefits + $600 Health Care Spending Account
•    Employee Engagement Events (Employee BBQ’s and lunches, weekly treat day, etc.)
•    Employee Development Programs

Major Duties

As a member of a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team, you will design and develop world-class automation solutions while planning and leading projects with full responsibility for project teams, schedules, milestones, and budgets. The role involves contributing to machine concepts, designing and integrating control software with electrical and mechanical systems, and mentoring junior controls team members. You will support process development and machine installation at customer sites worldwide, working with leading-edge technologies such as PLCs, PCs, robotics, motion controllers, vision systems, lasers, and other controllers, including programming PLCs to interface with SCADA systems like Ignition, ATS SAMS, and ATS Test Executive.

Specific Responsibilities

•    Design and develop software programs (PLC and/or PC based) specific to customer and project requirements based on standard ATS programming methods (ATS Global Code Standard)
•    In depth programming in environments mainly using PLC Ladder logic (Rockwell / Siemens platforms), and structured test (i.e. shell scripting, Visual Basic, C#, Python)
•    Ability to reverse-engineer and write PLC code from scratch
•    Select, test and integrate hardware and software components such as robots, I/O, analog devices, motion controllers, sensors, vision systems and lasers.
•    Debug and commission control systems at our facility, during the system integration stage and then at the customer’s site during installation. Travel to both domestic and international customer locations for SAT (up to 20% travel per year)
•    Work with other members of the control systems design department and other groups to continuously improve methods of integrating controls technology, with the goals being enhanced safety, enhanced functionality and reduced cost.
•    Work with customers, project managers, designers, toolmakers and electricians to solve problems to provide the customer with a complete, functional automation system.
•    Provide thorough testing of machine functionality to verify software program completeness.
•    Provide accurate documentation for each project and training specific to their current project (i.e. machine operation, programming principles and program structure).
•     Advise customer on solving technical problems as a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
•    Improve the knowledge and capability of other members of the department through mentoring. Responsible for meeting Team Member level KPIs as assigned. (Budget, Schedule, Quality, CI)
•    Assist with the Team Leader’s responsibilities during their absence and periodically supervise the software development and integration effort on at a team level delegating tasks to a team of people.
•    Responsible for communicating time estimates and resource requirements on controls tasks to the Team Leader and at times the Project managers.
•    Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.

Qualifications

Education:


•    A post-secondary degree specializing in Mechatronics, Systems, Electrical or Computer Engineering.


Experience:


•    5+ years of experience programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Human/Machine Interfaces (HMI) using Allen Bradley (Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer) or Siemens (TIA Portal) software
•    3 years of experience in a hands-on automation/controls environment working on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) systems
•    Proficiency in understanding programs written in structured test (i.e. Visual Basic, C#, Python, languages). Strong programming, mechanical and electrical problem-solving skills.
•    Experience with configuration/troubleshooting of instrumentation (power supplies, meters, sensors, safety switches, etc.) using vendor software and interfaces
•    Experience working in Just-In-Time environments and on mission critical systems
•    Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
•    Understanding of robotics, control systems and machine operation with hands-on experience is required
•    A self-starter with the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Health & Safety Requirements


All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.
 
Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:
 
•    Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements
•    Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods
•    Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defect in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor
•    Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks
•    Attend all required health, safety and environmental training
•    Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable
•    Refrain from engaging in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct

Join our team at ATS Test where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world.

ATS is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world’s most successful companies.  The ATS Test Division specializes in developing custom in-process and End-of-Line Test Systems to meet and exceed the customer’s needs.  We are part of the Industrial Automation group with a strong focus on EV products including battery cell, module and pack leak and functional testing but also serve other industries including the Life Sciences group, Aerospace Industry, traditional automotive, specialty products and the growing Fuel Cell market.

ATS Test provides PC based solutions for complex test systems that need high accuracy, high data collection and advanced analysis.  Our core competencies include electrical functional testing, electro-mechanical testing, pneumatic and hydraulic leak and flow testing.

Why should you join ATS Industrial Automation?

  • Be a part of an engaged, empowered and innovative global workforce
  • We offer a robust total rewards package- Competitive starting salaries, comprehensive health and dental benefits, overtime pay, employee bonus, RSP matching, Employee Share Purchase Program
  • We provide awesome work perks such as treat days, gourmet coffee and beverages, employee referral bonuses and lots more
  • We are intentional about your professional growth and development through internal career opportunities and our educational reimbursement program

 

The Compensation offered will be based on the local job market and may vary depending on factors such as the job-related knowledge, skills, experience of the selected candidate, as well as other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of these benefit plans will be provided when the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment.

This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization.

 

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to personal disability. We would ask those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary.

The ATS applicant tracking system may utilize AI software with pre‑defined, rule‑based filters to organize and manage application materials. Rule‑based filters operate solely on fixed criteria and do not perform autonomous evaluation or generate independent recommendations. All hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment.

If you're excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.