Manufacturing Controls Engineer/Specialist

Burnaby, BC
On-site
Posted Oct 9, 2026
1 position

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The Controls Engineer will support the maintenance, optimization, and troubleshooting of automated bipolar plate production lines and test systems. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and ensure equipment uptime and quality.

Job details

Ballard's Advanced Manufacturing team has an immediate need for a Controls Engineer/Applied Scientist to support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing and test systems. Specifically supporting the new state-of-the-art bipolar plate production line. Key Responsibilities: * Provides technical support to the automated bipolar plate production line for Allen-Bradley PLC optimization, fault diagnostics, and control logic troubleshooting. * Develop, modify, and maintain LabVIEW-based manufacturing test station software. Support automated test systems, data acquisition hardware, and instrumentation. * Analyze manufacturing processes and implement controls improvements to improve uptime, throughput, and quality. * Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Engineering teams on continuous improvement projects. * Create and maintain software, controls, and equipment documentation. * Support integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automated equipment, including robotics, sensors, actuators, and other production systems. Required Qualifications * Degree in any Engineering discipline, or a degree in Computer Science with relevant experience * 3–5 years of experience in controls, automation, and manufacturing engineering * Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and associated Rockwell Automation platforms. * Experience with KUKA industrial robots and robotic automation is an asset. * Hands-on experience developing and debugging LabVIEW applications. * Ability to troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and software-related equipment issues in a manufacturing environment. * Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills, with the ability to work through complex or intermittent equipment issues. * Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment * Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document technical issues and solutions. * Ability to work on the production floor and respond to live equipment and manufacturing issues as required. Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The salary range for this position is between $75,000 – $100,000. The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate's competencies, including but no limited to experience, education and performance, related to this role. Our Values Listen & Deliver | Quality. Always. | Inspire Excellence | Row Together | Own It Ballard values diversity in the workplace and is committed to Employment Equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must hold an engineering or computer science degree and possess 3-5 years of experience in controls and automation. Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs and LabVIEW is required, along with the ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment.