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Electrician / Automation Technician - Guelph, ON

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Job Type:  Fulltime, Permanent

Location:  Guelph, ON

Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada?  If so, we would love to hear from you!

At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast.  We are breaking ground in an industry that is quickly proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well.  We are focused on producing ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year using no harsh chemicals, a carbon footprint that is just half that of a traditional farm and using less than 10% of the water traditionally used, to create a world where plants thrive!

Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?

It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.

  • You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level.  GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!

  • We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a start-up.

  • We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.

  • We have competitive compensation and benefits

Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles.  We think that’s exciting and the best reason of all to join us! 

What we are looking for

As an Automation & Controls Engineer at GoodLeaf Farms, you will be a key contributor to our mission of revolutionizing agriculture through technological innovation and sustainable practices. Reporting directly to the Senior Manager Automation and Controls, you will play a pivotal role in the automation of our vertical farming operations across Canada. Your primary responsibilities include installing, configuring, and maintaining Allen-Bradley PLC systems, managing distributed IO devices, and integrating 3rd party controllers.  Additionally, you will work within the SCADA system to optimize overall performance, ensuring seamless communication between different components of the automation infrastructure.

Role & Responsibilities

System Optimization:

  • Continuously evaluate and optimize control systems to enhance efficiency and resource utilization.

  • Implement improvements to achieve optimal growth conditions.

SCADA System Integration:

  • Work within the SCADA system to oversee and optimize the overall performance of the vertical farming automation.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective communication between SCADA and PLC systems.

A-B PLC Systems:

  • Install, configure, and maintain A-B PLC systems to automate critical processes within our vertical farming operations.

  • Develop and implement PLC programs for optimal control of irrigation, climate, and lighting systems.

Distributed IO Devices:

  • Manage distributed Input/Output (IO) devices to ensure seamless communication and data exchange between different components of the automation system.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to IO devices to maintain system reliability.

3rd Party Controllers:

  • Integrate and collaborate with 3rd party controllers to enhance the overall automation infrastructure.

  • Coordinate with external vendors and support teams to optimize the performance of 3rd party controllers. 

Documentation and Reporting:

  • Maintain detailed documentation of PLC configurations, programs, and changes.

  • Generate regular reports on system performance, maintenance activities, and improvements.

Collaboration and Training:

  • Collaborate closely with the Senior Manager Automation and Controls and other team members to align automation strategies with overall business objectives.

  • Provide training to operations and maintenance staff on the use and troubleshooting of the automation systems.

 Qualifications & Educational Requirements 

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field.

  • Proven experience in installing, configuring, and maintaining A-B PLC systems.

  • Strong programming skills in A-B PLC languages.

  • Familiarity with distributed IO devices and 3rd party controllers. (IO-Link, Ethernet/IP)

  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Proven track record of diagnosing faulty logic.

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.

  • Experienced in reading electrical schematic drawings

  • Experience in HMI and SCADA Design (Inductive Automation Ignition 7.9 and 8.1 preferred)

  • Experience with SERVO and VFD based motion Control (A-B Kinetix Preferred)

  • Experience implementing automation for process control (valves, pumps, analyzers, PID, etc.)

  • Experience in design and implementation of electrical and control SAFETY systems

  • Minimum 5 years direct experience

  • Preferred – Food industry and process industry experience

  • Preferred – Bilingual or at least conversational French

  • Preferred – Experience and familiarity creating control panel schematics

GoodLeaf Farms is a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination employer.

GoodLeaf Farms is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  All employment decisions at GoodLeaf Farms are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

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