Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist

Abbotsford, BC
On-site
Posted Sep 20, 2026
1 position

$92,500–$110,000 / year

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Minimum education: Professional degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The specialist will lead complex control systems, automation projects, and plant reliability initiatives to drive manufacturing performance. They are responsible for setting technical standards, performing root cause analysis, and coaching teams to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Job details

Build The Systems Behind The Future Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist At Vitalus, we're investing in smarter automation, stronger manufacturing systems, and the technology that keeps our operations moving forward. As our Sr. Instrumentation & Controls Specialist, you'll provide technical leadership for complex control systems, automation projects, and plant reliability initiatives. Your expertise will help shape standards, solve critical challenges, and drive the next generation of manufacturing performance across our facilities. Is This You? * You bring deep PLC, automation, and instrumentation expertise, paired with a practical, hands-on approach to solving complex technical problems. * You lead with sound judgment and collaboration, earning trust while guiding teams through troubleshooting, projects, and technical decisions. * You're energized by building better systems, improving reliability, and helping manufacturing operations perform at their best. What You'll Do Lead Critical Control Systems * Set priorities for PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and instrumentation systems based on operational risk and business impact. * Drive complex troubleshooting efforts, from root cause analysis through successful return to service. * Maintain reliable, recoverable, and secure automation systems through strong governance and standards. Drive Automation Excellence * Establish technical standards, programming practices, and instrumentation strategies that support long-term reliability. * Guide routine system modifications while supporting safe, controlled change management. * Coach technicians and strengthen technical capability across teams. Deliver Meaningful Improvements * Lead controls and instrumentation projects from technical scope through commissioning and operational handoff. * Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, suppliers, and contractors to implement practical solutions. * Evaluate technical and business trade-offs to support informed decision-making. Support Safe, Reliable Operations * Ensure work aligns with safety requirements, technical standards, and regulatory expectations. * Provide clear guidance during critical issues while protecting people, product, equipment, and production continuity. * Build alignment across functions to achieve shared operational goals. What You'll Bring * Red Seal Instrumentation & Control Technician or Industrial Instrument Mechanic certification, and/or a relevant Electrical, Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering Technology diploma or degree. * 7+ years of progressive experience in PLC programming, automation, and instrumentation within an industrial manufacturing environment. * Advanced experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000, SLC 500, FactoryTalk View Studio, Ignition SCADA, industrial networks, and VFDs. * Strong troubleshooting, technical leadership, and stakeholder management skills. * A collaborative mindset with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams. * Experience with robotic systems, automated material handling, packaging equipment, or food manufacturing is an asset. Ready to shape what's next? If you're ready to lead complex automation initiatives, solve meaningful technical challenges, and help build the future of manufacturing at Vitalus, we'd love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Red Seal Instrumentation & Control Technician certification or a relevant engineering diploma/degree. A minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in PLC programming and industrial automation is required.