Project Manager

We are looking for an Automation Project Manager to take responsibility for the execution of industrial automation and control projects, from defining customer requirements through commissioning at the customer’s site.

The successful candidate will act as the primary point of coordination between the customer, engineering and automation teams, suppliers, subcontractors, and installation teams. The Automation Project Manager will ensure that projects are completed in accordance with technical requirements, schedules, budgets, and the company’s quality standards.

This position combines project management, technical automation expertise, coordination, and customer relations.

• Manage automation projects from order receipt through final delivery.

• Analyze customer requirements and clearly define the project scope.

• Participate in the development of technical solutions.

• Prepare and maintain project schedules.

• Plan the resources required for project execution.

• Monitor project budgets, engineering hours, purchasing, and overall project costs.

• Identify risks, issues, and changes that may impact costs or schedules.

• Document and manage change requests and additional work.

• Provide customers with regular updates on project progress.

• Participate in defining control system architectures.

• Select appropriate automation and instrumentation equipment.

• Participate in the preparation and review of electrical drawings and control schematics.

• Program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and/or participate in the development, modification, and optimization of automation programs.

• Participate in the development and programming of HMI operator interfaces and SCADA systems.

• Participate in the integration of industrial networks and communications between equipment.

• Develop, review, and validate operating sequences and functional descriptions.

• Test and troubleshoot PLC/HMI programs.

• Participate in shop testing and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).

• Supervise or participate in equipment start-up and commissioning at customer sites.

• Perform programming modifications and adjustments directly on production equipment when required.

• Collaborate with programmers, technicians, electrical designers, and control panel assemblers.

• Coordinate activities with electrical contractors and other external parties.

• Monitor purchasing activities and critical equipment deliveries.

• Review drawings, bills of materials, and technical documents prior to release.

• Ensure that selected equipment complies with customer specifications and applicable standards.

• Participate in resolving technical issues encountered during manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.

• Act as the primary customer contact throughout project execution.

• Organize and participate in project meetings.

• Clearly communicate project status, issues, and decisions requiring customer input.

• Advise customers on automation and control solutions.

• Maintain professional and long-term relationships with customers.

• Identify opportunities for improvements or future projects when appropriate.

• Ensure that final project documentation is complete and compliant.

• Coordinate the preparation of As-Built drawings.

• Ensure delivery of PLC/HMI programs, manuals, and other required documentation.

• Complete the administrative and financial closeout of projects.

• Participate in lessons-learned meetings to improve work methods and project execution.

• College Diploma (DEC) or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Instrumentation and Control, Automated Production Engineering, or another relevant field.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Relevant experience in industrial automation or control systems.

• Experience in managing or coordinating technical projects is a significant asset.

• Experience in the design, programming, or commissioning of automated systems is an asset.

A good working knowledge of several of the following technologies is preferred:

• Industrial Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), particularly Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation.

• HMI operator interfaces and SCADA systems, including Ignition.

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).

• Industrial instrumentation, including flow, pressure, temperature, level, etc.

• Industrial networks, particularly EtherNet/IP.

• Distributed I/O and industrial communication systems.

• Ability to read and understand electrical drawings and schematics.

• Industrial control panels.

• 24 VDC and 120 VAC control circuits.

• Machine safety concepts and safety systems.

• Industrial protocols and technologies such as IO-Link, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and serial communications.

• Knowledge of applicable electrical and industrial standards.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.

• Ability to make sound decisions in a technical environment.

• Strong ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders.

• Strong communication skills with customers and technical teams.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure during start-up and commissioning activities.

• Strong commitment to quality and meeting project commitments.

• Team-oriented mindset and solution-focused approach.

• Proficiency in spoken and written French.

• Functional English required to communicate with certain customers and suppliers and to review technical documentation.

• Occasional travel to customer sites.

• Occasional availability for commissioning activities outside regular working hours.

• Ability to travel within Canada and the United States depending on project requirements.

• Valid driver’s license required.

The following qualifications will be considered assets:

• Experience in the food, dairy, pharmaceutical, or industrial process industries.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix systems.

• Experience with FactoryTalk View, Ignition, or other HMI/SCADA platforms.

• Knowledge of Endress+Hauser, IFM, ABB, or equivalent industrial instrumentation.

• Experience with ABB or Rockwell Automation variable frequency drives.

• Experience in control panel design and manufacturing.

• Experience with industrial equipment and process start-up and commissioning.

• Knowledge of sanitary processing environments and Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems.

The Automation Project Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of reliable, safe, and customer-focused automation solutions, while maintaining control over project costs, schedules, and quality.

Success in this position requires the ability to combine strong technical understanding, effective project management, and excellent communication with customers and project execution teams.