Controls Technician – PLC & Automation

Keep Our Operations Running. Drive the Future of Automation. At Spectra, we're committed to delivering high-quality aluminum products through innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement. As a growing Canadian manufacturer with five facilities across Ontario, we're looking for a Controls Technician with strong PLC troubleshooting and industrial automation experience to join our team. This is a hands-on role for someone who knows their way around PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and enjoys getting to the root of complex controls issues. You'll troubleshoot automated equipment, diagnose PLC and HMI faults and work closely with Maintenance, Engineering and Production to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and keep our operations running efficiently. PLC and industrial controls experience are the priority for this role. An electrical background is an asset, but an electrical trade licence is not required. If you're passionate about PLCs, controls, automation and solving complex technical problems on the manufacturing floor, we'd love to hear from you. What You'll Do Troubleshoot PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment during production breakdowns to identify faults and minimize downtime. Monitor PLC logic to diagnose sequence, timer, interlock, sensor, communication and equipment faults. Troubleshoot and support PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, industrial communication networks and automated equipment. Diagnose controls-related issues and implement practical solutions that improve equipment reliability and performance. Troubleshoot HMI applications, alarms, operator messages and machine diagnostic systems. Support PLC program modifications, backups and controls documentation as required. Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, PLC documentation and technical drawings. Support equipment upgrades, automation projects, machine retrofits and new equipment installations and commissioning. Partner cross-functionally and with external equipment suppliers to resolve complex controls and automation issues. Participate in root cause analysis and develop controls-based solutions that reduce recurring equipment failures. Identify opportunities to improve machine diagnostics, cycle times, fault recovery and overall manufacturing performance. Maintain accurate controls documentation, program backups and change management records. You'll Thrive in This Role If You... Enjoy troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and solving complex automation challenges. Like being hands-on and working directly with manufacturing equipment. Can confidently navigate PLC logic to diagnose what's happening when equipment isn't behaving as expected. Stay calm under pressure and enjoy troubleshooting production breakdowns. Take pride in identifying root causes rather than relying on temporary fixes. Enjoy collaborating to solve problems. Have a continuous improvement mindset and are always looking for ways to make equipment more reliable and efficient. Qualifications Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLCs, industrial controls and automated manufacturing equipment. Strong understanding of PLC logic, machine sequencing, interlocks, sensors, analog and digital I/O and industrial control systems. Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation and/or Siemens PLC systems. Experience with HMI systems, VFDs, industrial communication networks and automated equipment. Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams and technical documentation. Experience with Studio 5000, RSLogix, TIA Portal, FactoryTalk, WinCC or similar PLC/HMI software is considered an asset. Experience with FANUC robotics, SCADA systems, servo systems or industrial automation is considered an asset. Industrial electrical troubleshooting experience is considered a strong asset. Electrical or controls-related education, apprenticeship or trade experience is considered an asset; an electrical Certificate of Qualification is not required. Strong analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills. What Success Looks Like In this role, you'll know you're making an impact when you: Reduce production downtime through effective PLC and controls troubleshooting. Improve equipment reliability by identifying and resolving recurring automation and controls issues. Strengthen machine diagnostics, fault identification and recovery across the operation. Deliver controls improvements that enhance safety, productivity and manufacturing performance. Successfully support equipment upgrades, automation projects and commissioning activities. Share your technical expertise and help strengthen PLC and controls troubleshooting capabilities across the Maintenance team. Why Join Spectra? At Spectra, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment, industrial automation and modern controls technologies while making a measurable impact on our operations. You'll collaborate with experienced Maintenance and Engineering professionals on everything from day-to-day troubleshooting to equipment upgrades, automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives. What We Offer Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Hands-on exposure to PLCs, HMIs, robotics, industrial controls and automated manufacturing equipment. Opportunities to contribute to equipment upgrades, automation projects, commissioning and continuous improvement initiatives. The opportunity to continue developing your PLC, controls and automation expertise. A collaborative environment where your technical knowledge and ideas are valued. Ongoing learning, development and career growth opportunities. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing Canadian manufacturer. If you're a Controls Technician with strong PLC troubleshooting experience who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and improving manufacturing equipment, we'd love to hear from you. Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy. Pay: $43.00-$60.00/hour

Troubleshoot PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and diagnose HMI faults to minimize production downtime. Support equipment upgrades, automation projects, and maintain accurate controls documentation to improve overall reliability.

Requires hands-on experience with PLCs, industrial controls, and the ability to interpret electrical schematics. Proficiency with Allen-Bradley or Siemens systems is expected, while robotics and SCADA experience are considered assets.

• Competitive compensation • Comprehensive benefits • Ongoing learning, development and career growth opportunities

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• PLC Troubleshooting
• Industrial Automation
• HMI Diagnosis
• Electrical Schematics
• VFDs
• Servo Systems
• Industrial Communication Networks
• Root Cause Analysis
• Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation
• Siemens PLC
• Studio 5000
• RSLogix
• TIA Portal
• FactoryTalk
• WinCC
• FANUC Robotics

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Trades
• Technology

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 18, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Entry level