Automation Controls Engineer

About you:

You are a hands-on Automation Controls Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and making manufacturing equipment run better, faster, and more reliably. You bring strong PLC programming and controls software experience, practical mechanical aptitude, and the ability to troubleshoot both software and hardware.

In this role, you will develop, integrate, and optimize automated equipment used to manufacture VitalBio’s diagnostic consumables including systems for reagent handling, component assembly, inspection, and packaging.

You’ll work directly with complex machinery, robotics, vision systems, and controls to improve equipment performance, support production, and help scale our manufacturing capabilities.

As VitalBio grows, you’ll help bring new automation systems online, improve existing equipment, and build the internal expertise needed to move quickly and reduce reliance on external suppliers. Your work will directly support our mission to make diagnostics more accessible.

We’re looking for someone who takes ownership, learns quickly, challenges assumptions, and enjoys turning difficult engineering problems into practical solutions.

What you’ll do:

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems, primarily using Allen-Bradley controls.

• Support the integration, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment, including robotics, motion-control systems, HMI’s and machine vision.

• Diagnose and resolve complex equipment issues involving controls, sensors, communications, and mechanical components.

• Apply mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot equipment, improve machine performance, and support fixture or component modifications.

• Work with equipment suppliers and automation integrators to implement improvements while building internal controls expertise.

• Support equipment acceptance testing, qualification (FAT/SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ), and production ramp-up in a regulated manufacturing environment.

• Identify and implement improvements that increase equipment uptime, throughput, yield, and reliability.

• Perform root-cause analysis, resolve recurring automation failures, and maintain appropriate controls documentation, software versions, and change records.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to deliver reliable, maintainable automation solutions.

• Support safe equipment operation through appropriate controls design, safety interlocks, troubleshooting, and change management.

• Occasional travel to equipment suppliers, up to 10%.

What you need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• 5+ years of relevant experience, with demonstrated independent PLC programming capability.

• Strong hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, including ladder logic, equipment sequences, interlocks, and fault handling.

• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs or similar and associated programming software.

• Experience integrating or troubleshooting industrial robots, motion systems, sensors, and other automation equipment.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand and troubleshoot interactions between mechanical and controls systems.

• Familiarity with industrial communications, electrical schematics, and equipment documentation.

• Experience supporting equipment commissioning, qualification, or production operations.

• Strong problem-solving skills, technical judgment, and the ability to independently drive issues to resolution.

• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

Bonus points for:

• Experience with Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, including Studio 5000.

• Experience with Epson, Kuka, Fanuc, or ABB robots, Keyence vision systems, or comparable technologies.

• Background with automation integrators, custom machine builders, or high-volume automated manufacturing.

• Experience in medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, or other complex manufacturing environments.

• Hands-on machining, fixture design, fabrication, or 3D printing experience.

• Familiarity with ISO 13485, cGMP, equipment validation, or manufacturing change control.

• Experience automating processes involving reagents, precision plastic components, or diagnostic consumables.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - 105,000 annually. Compensation will be determined based on the individual's demonstrated experience.

This role is a current, onsite vacancy.

About Vital Bio

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance

As part of our recruitment process, we may use automated or AI-supported tools to assist with application review and screening. These tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are always made by our hiring team.