Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, ‘better-for-you’ snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.
We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.
You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

As an Automation Engineering Specialist, you are responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems, while leading and supporting automation initiatives across various industrial projects. This role requires staying up to date with the best practices and emerging solutions in the market. The automation engineering specialist will lead the design and implementation of new automated solutions in collaboration with operations, OEMs and local integrators to enhance operational efficiency, quality and reliability. The automation engineering specialist will participate in process improvements by modifying automation systems and ensuring integration between the existing and new machinery as needed.

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside Natural Food’s Core Values.
• Understand and lead compliance with both Health and Safety and Food Safety practices.
• Lead CAPEX automation projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Lead and actively participate in the automation scope of various CAPEX projects.
• Develop and manage project plans, budget, and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, OEMs and integrators to achieve project goals.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead the implementation of SCADA systems for both existing and new lines or machinery to gather performance data that supports the decision-making process.
• Develop and continuously update automation URS (User Requirement Specifications) for new assets.
• Design automation systems and control network architectures in collaboration with OEMs for new machinery. Perform hardware and software selection based on project requirements and Riverside automation standards.
• Lead and support the IO testing, dry commissioning and wet commissioning of new machinery.
• Design the automation integration of new assets in existing production lines.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams. Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on complicated and/or recurring automation failures.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including electrical diagrams, control network diagrams, manuals, functional descriptions, automation devices backups.
• Other duties as assigned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of Control/Automation or Electrical Engineering program and certification or equivalent qualification
• Minimum of 6 years in an automation role with:
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• Min. 2 years of experience preferably in industrial or manufacturing environments

• Min. 4 years of experience leading automation projects in the industry
• Strong knowledge of control system and control network design.
• Familiarity with robotics, motion control, and vision systems is a plus.
• Knowledge and experience working with SCADA platforms.
• Proficiency in PLC, HMI, VFD, servo drives and industrial network devices programming.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong project management and organization abilities
• Capable of following technical direction while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environments.
• Possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a results-oriented and highly organized approach.
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting electrical drawings, P&ID drawings, and control network drawings.
• Working experience with equipment such as vertical wrapper, horizontal wrappers, robotics pick and place, tunnel oven is an asset.
• Flexibility to work afternoon and weekends

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside Natural Food’s Core Values.
• Understand and lead compliance with both Health and Safety and Food Safety practices.
• Lead CAPEX automation projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Lead and actively participate in the automation scope of various CAPEX projects.
• Develop and manage project plans, budget, and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, OEMs and integrators to achieve project goals.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead the implementation of SCADA systems for both existing and new lines or machinery to gather performance data that supports the decision-making process.
• Develop and continuously update automation URS (User Requirement Specifications) for new assets.
• Design automation systems and control network architectures in collaboration with OEMs for new machinery. Perform hardware and software selection based on project requirements and Riverside automation standards.
• Lead and support the IO testing, dry commissioning and wet commissioning of new machinery.
• Design the automation integration of new assets in existing production lines.
• Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams. Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on complicated and/or recurring automation failures.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including electrical diagrams, control network diagrams, manuals, functional descriptions, automation devices backups.
• Other duties as assigned