Controls Engineer (Contract or Full-Time)

Barrie, ON
On-site
Posted Sep 19, 2026
1 position

$30–$50 / hour

Opens an external site

Employment type: Contract
Experience level: Mid-level · 4+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Work authorization: Visa sponsorship mentioned

Job summary

You will program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC systems while integrating them with robotic and safety equipment in automotive production environments. The role involves performing system validation, commissioning, and providing on-site support for production launches and cycle-time improvements.

Job details

VOLCANIX AUTOMATION is seeking experienced industrial automation Controls Engineers to support Tier 1 automotive projects across Canada, USA, and Mexico. Our client is based in the Greater Barrie, Ontario region, so candidates should be within commuting distance or willing to temporarily relocate for project phases. This role covers automotive automation systems including robotic welding cells, material handling, and general assembly. Work is split between on-site support in demanding production environments and offline/remote programming phases, so there's a mix of travel and desk-based development depending on the project stage. You'll support power-on, integrations, commisioning and troubleshooting. Note that projects follow strict customer PLC and robotics standards, and in some cases pre-approved code templates you'll be expected to work within. Responsibilities Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC systems Support production launches, cycle-time improvements, and downtime reduction Integrate PLC-controlled systems with robots and safety devices Work with welding systems (spot, projection, MIG, and adhesive application) Perform system validation, buy-offs, and customer acceptance tests Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues on-site Assist with robotic equipment commissioning and debug where required Collaborate with controls, robotics, mechanical, and production team Required Skills Controls Engineering: Strong PLC programming experience Platforms: Allen-Bradley (RSLogix / Studio 5000) Mitsubishi (GX Works) Experience with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, IO Link) Ability to follow mature, customer-specific programming standards Mandatory Requirements 4+ years of experience within the automotive automation industry (OEM or Tier 1) Preferred Experience OEM experience (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Tesla) Tier 1 automotive suppliers Automotive automation processes: spot welding, projection welding, MIG welding, adhesive/dispensing, material handling, and general assembly Vision systems and error proofing (EPP) Robot integration experience (FANUC, ABB, NACHI) an asset General Requirements Willingness to travel for on-site project phases across North America & Mexico (travel varies by project stage, with lighter periods during offline/remote programming) Ability to work independently on customer sites Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset Good communication and documentation skills Engineering or technical degree preferred Work Authorization We welcome candidates who are: Independent Contractor Eligible for TN Visa Eligible for Canadian Work Permit Authorized to work and travel across North America & Mexico Additional Information Travel and work-related expenses will be covered by the company

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 4 years of experience in the automotive automation industry with strong proficiency in PLC programming platforms like Allen-Bradley and Mitsubishi. You must be willing to travel extensively for on-site project phases across North America and Mexico.