Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist

Are you passionate about solving complex industrial automation challenges and modernizing critical manufacturing infrastructure?

Cogent Industrial Technologies is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist to join our growing team in Richmond, British Columbia. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of industrial automation projects across North America, including control system modernizations, PLC migrations, SCADA/HMI development, industrial networking, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

You will work alongside experienced automation professionals to design, develop, commission, and support industrial control systems for customers operating in forestry, pulp and paper, aggregates, utilities, manufacturing, and other process industries. Projects range from brownfield modernization efforts involving legacy control systems to large-scale greenfield installations utilizing modern automation platforms.

Founded in 2005 and acquired by Kadant Inc. in 2020, Cogent Industrial Technologies has built a reputation as a trusted industrial automation solutions provider delivering innovative technologies that improve operational visibility, reliability, efficiency, and performance. With a growing global client base and significant expansion plans, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company where your contributions will have a direct impact on both project success and company growth.

At Cogent, we believe technology should contribute to a more sustainable and productive world. Our culture is built on integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As part of our team, you will:

• Work on challenging industrial automation projects throughout North America
• Gain exposure to a broad range of control platforms including Schneider Electric, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, and emerging technologies
• Collaborate directly with clients, engineers, operators, and plant personnel
• Participate in major modernization and digital transformation initiatives
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding organization
• Contribute to a company committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices

Cogent is positioned for significant growth over the coming years as industrial organizations continue to invest in modernization, connectivity, and advanced automation solutions.

Cogent Industrial Technologies is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist to support the design, development, commissioning, and long-term support of industrial automation projects across North America.

Working within a collaborative and highly technical team, you will participate in all phases of project execution, from concept development and system design through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer support. Projects include brownfield modernization initiatives, legacy control system migrations, industrial networking, SCADA/HMI development, and greenfield facility installations.

This role is well suited for a technically curious and hands-on automation professional who enjoys solving complex industrial challenges and working directly with customers in operating facilities.

During your first 12 months, you will:

• Develop a strong understanding of Cogent's clients, technologies, project delivery processes, and company culture.

• Build trusted working relationships with customers, project stakeholders, and team members.

• Successfully contribute to automation projects through design, programming, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.

• Deliver high-quality technical work that meets or exceeds customer expectations.

• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership of project deliverables.

• Contribute to Cogent's reputation as a trusted industrial automation partner.

• Design, develop, test, and commission industrial control systems for customers across a variety of process industries.

• Support modernization projects involving legacy and contemporary automation platforms including Schneider Electric, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, and AVEVA/Wonderware systems.

• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in accordance with project specifications and customer requirements.

• Assist with the preparation of control narratives, functional descriptions, I/O lists, network architectures, and technical documentation.

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, and related protocols.

• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup activities.

• Troubleshoot control system issues in operating industrial facilities and develop practical solutions to improve system performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with customers, electricians, instrumentation technicians, operators, engineers, and project managers throughout project execution.

• Participate in hazard reviews, safety assessments, and the implementation of safe control system designs.

• Maintain a strong commitment to quality, safety, documentation, and continuous improvement.

• Remain current with emerging automation technologies, software platforms, and industry best practices.

This position requires periodic travel to customer sites throughout Canada, the United States, and occasionally internationally.

Travel requirements vary by project and are typically between 10% and 25%, with occasional periods of increased travel during commissioning and startup activities.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working in both office and industrial plant environments and will be provided with the tools, training, and support necessary to perform effectively regardless of location.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of education, training, and practical industrial automation experience. We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds including:

• Electrical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering Technology

• Automation Engineering Technology

• Instrumentation Technology

• Industrial Electrical Trades

• Other related industrial automation disciplines

Equivalent combinations of education, trade certification, and relevant industry experience will be considered.

Additional qualifications include:

• Minimum 3 years of industrial automation, controls, or electrical systems experience.

• Experience working within an industrial facility, OEM, systems integrator, consulting engineering firm, or similar technical environment.

• Experience supporting projects throughout the full lifecycle, including design, programming, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Canada, the United States, and internationally as required.

• Legally authorized to work in Canada.

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:

• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience using one or more industrial control platforms.

• HMI and SCADA development experience.

• Industrial communications and networking including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, and TCP/IP networks.

• Experience with industrial automation platforms such as Schneider Electric Modicon, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix, Siemens, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, or similar systems.

• Experience working with industrial instrumentation and control devices including transmitters, switches, motor starters, VFDs, analyzers, and process control equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, control narratives, and technical specifications.

• Experience commissioning and troubleshooting control systems in operating industrial facilities.

• Understanding of industrial safety systems, hazard reviews, and safe work practices.

• Familiarity with North American electrical and industrial standards including CSA, UL, NFPA, and applicable industry requirements.

• Experience preparing technical documentation including functional descriptions, testing procedures, operating procedures, and commissioning reports.

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical solutions.

Experience with Schneider Electric Modicon, AVEVA/Wonderware, Ignition, Allen-Bradley, and legacy control system modernization projects is considered a strong asset.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to health, safety, and professional conduct.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• The ability to build positive working relationships with customers, contractors, operators, tradespeople, and fellow team members.

• A hands-on, collaborative approach to solving technical challenges.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.

• Initiative, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership of assigned work.

• Curiosity, continuous learning, and a desire to remain current with evolving automation technologies.

• Professionalism, integrity, and the ability to both provide and receive constructive feedback.