Position: PLC Specialist 

Number of Hires: 1

Location: Thorold, ON

Employment Term: Full-Time, Permanent

Employment Type: On-Site

Sector: Warehousing, Logistics 

Role: Managerial/Supervisory

Reports to: Facilities Director

Experience: Bachelors Degree

Salary Range: Approximately $69 000 (starting at $36/hr)

Commissions: No

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and more

*Please read the job ad carefully, and if you’re qualified, submit your tailored resume and cover letter to jobs@essentialhiring.com.

Join One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies! 

Located in the beautiful Niagara Region, our client has been an innovative leader in the book distribution industry for more than 30 years. Today, they operate a massive 500,000 square foot distribution facility that pushes the limits of technology to process new stock and ship books all over the world, every single day! 

They have been an essential business and have been open throughout the pandemic to deliver books into the hands of those that need them most.

For our client, reading is at the heart of enchanting the mind, and they believe it is their shared responsibility to bring this purpose to life – one book at a time. Their culture and everything they do is guided by a core set of values: 

• WE NOT ME – understanding that success is fleeting if we don’t put others first
  
• KICK SOME MOON DUST – believing that the key to greatness is to be willing to go where no one has ever gone before
  
• RIDE TOGETHER. WIN TOGETHER – the whole TEAM is greater than the sum of its individual players and Together Everyone Achieves More
  
• WE EAT THE STINKY CHEESE – have a curious mind, and never stop learning
  
• WAKE UP. BE AWESOME. REPEAT – working hard is the result of a great attitude and passion for living each day at our best; and
  
• NO DONKEYS – life is too short to work with, or do business with, those that think and act like donkeys.

Our client treats its employees like family and they are looking to grow their family with enthusiastic and driven individuals who share their values and passion for achieving results within an environment of continuous growth and innovation.

About the Opportunity:

Our client has a great opportunity available for a PLC Specialist at their Thorold main office and distribution centre. Please note this is an onsite position. 

Reporting to the Facilities Director, you will have a passion for technology and learning and will be dedicating your professional self to developing, maintaining and improving all automated systems (i.e. robots,conveyance, sortation machines, etc) to ensure efficient operations and maximum up-time.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide technical application support during new installations and equipment breakdowns
• Review and document technical information (i.e., version upgrade requirements, service packs, patches, utilities) provided by the product manufacturer. Keeps up-to-date schematics and related technical documentation
• Assist in equipment malfunction investigation to increase equipment reliability by identifying root cause, determining corrective actions/preventative measures, and following up on any deviations, and customer complaints
• Perform routine diagnostic checks on equipment, electrical panels, and control systems
• Perform predictive and preventative maintenance programs for required equipment
• Provide technical support for existing automation control systems as well as assist with designing, estimating, and commissioning new automation control systems integrated with Robots based on PLCs
• Troubleshoot machine breakdowns in a timely manner to minimize loss of production
• Provide support with repairing robotic and automated equipment.
• Determine and program parameters for variable frequency drives and servo drives
• Participate in Lean/5S/Continuous Improvement initiatives and quality improvements
• Maintain inventory of parts and equipment
• Maintain up-to-date technical knowledge and skills by attending training sessions and seminars from major manufacturers of automation equipment
• Participate in system concept development and estimating
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner
• Build positive relationships, and exemplify company culture standards with Maintenance department, warehouse Group Leaders and all warehouse team members
• Other related responsibilities as required

People & Culture:

• Model company values in all that you do and hold others accountable in maintaining the integrity of these values
  
• Enable purpose-driven culture of Enchanting the Mind, that is values-aligned, family friendly, high-performing and innovative; and recognize team members who are consistently contributing to this culture
  
• Ensure everyone is pulling together in the same direction and that you are prioritizing departmental and individual goals
  
• Champion, influence, embrace and motivate change, with a strategic mindset for continuous improvement and scalability
  
• Actively empower the learning and professional growth of your team through encouraging your team’s participation in programs and initiatives

• Provide mentorship and meaningful feedback to your team

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, preferably in a manufacturing or distribution center environment
• Post-secondary diploma in related field
• Electrical certification an asset
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD
• Fluent English communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently or as a team in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision
• Strong diagnostic, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Very good understanding of electrical drawing packages
• Proven analytical, trouble shooting and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of machine safety (Safety Relays and Safety PLCs)
• Experience with 5S/Lean
• Broad knowledge of process automation and conveyance
• Familiarity with industrial robotics (Primarily Fanuc & ABB)
• Familiarity with factory networking protocols (Both IT and OT systems)
• Proven ability to interpret electrical drawings, control drawings and schematics for automated systems
• Solid understanding of PLC and HMI programming (primarily Allen Bradley & Beckhoff)
• Intermediate-level knowledge in IEC programming languages (PLC and HMI programming)

Working Conditions:

• Able to be on call for after hour emergencies, and deal with them in a timely manner
• Able to work some Saturdays

Physical Requirements:

• Good mobility is required

We ask all interested and qualified applicants to please review the key qualifications and requirements, along with duties and skills. If you feel like you may be a good fit for this position, please send a tailored resume and cover letter to jobs@essentialhiring.com.

***If you know anyone who may be interested, please share this post. 

Referrals leading to successful hires will be entitled to a finders fee!

If you have any questions, send us an email.

Only qualified and experienced applicants will be contacted.

We look forward to speaking with you!

*Our client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodations necessary. 

— The Essential Hiring Team