Automation Engineer

About the Company

LAPORTE is an engineering consulting firm focused on pharmaceutical, agrifood, industrial biotech, and industrial plant process projects. The organization has been operating for 25 years, with 25 offices spread across North America and Europe and a team of more than 480 people who are passionate about engineering.

The company promotes an environment built around autonomy, teamwork, and continuous professional growth. It also supports a flexible workplace that aims to balance efficiency, creativity, and personal well-being.

Role Overview

As an Automation Engineer in Toronto, Ontario, you will contribute to both project management and technical delivery, supporting the planning, budget, schedule, design, programming, and commissioning of automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with clients to clarify and document their automation needs.
• Develop automation system designs and choose suitable equipment such as control systems, instrumentation, motor control components, and control panels.
• Write and support PLC and operator interface programming.
• Take part in testing activities and commissioning of systems.
• Lead factory automation work by managing planning, technical supervision, change management, and status reporting for budget, timelines, resources, manufacturers, and contractors.
• Draft technical specifications, layouts, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate closely with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Maintain communication and follow-up with equipment vendors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in automated production engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Current membership with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• 3 to 5 years of experience in industrial automation.
• Working knowledge of Allen Bradley, Rockwell, and Siemens technologies.
• Experience in the food or pharmaceutical sector is considered an advantage.
• Willingness to make occasional client visits within the Greater Toronto Area.
• Strong background in leadership, relationship management, planning, organization, and project delivery.
• Entrepreneurial approach and interest in contributing to business development.
• Ability to make independent technical judgments and choose effective methods and evaluation criteria.
• Comfort influencing clients, suppliers, and colleagues toward engineering best practices.
• Excellent verbal, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to share knowledge effectively.
• Ability to motivate and support others to achieve strong performance.
• Flexibility to travel to external manufacturing sites when required.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market standards.
• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage from the first day, including medical, dental, vision, and childcare support.
• Employer RRSP contribution of 4%.
• Hybrid work arrangement with at least 2 days each week in the office.
• Company-paid professional membership fees, including examples such as APEGA, APEGS, and EGBC.
• Mentorship, training, and opportunities to move across departments for career growth.
• Three weeks of standard vacation, plus one paid week during the Christmas period and one week of personal/sick leave.
• Inclusive and flexible workplace culture with strong emphasis on equity, efficiency, balance, and growth.
• Team-building events such as Lunch & Learn sessions, retreats, outdoor activities, family gatherings, and workshops.
• Public transit and telephone reimbursement.

Additional Information

This position involves a hybrid work mode, but it is not fully remote. The role may require travel to client or manufacturing locations as business needs change.

The company values diversity, flexibility, and a collaborative culture that supports professional development and long-term advancement.