Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer / Controls Designer

Who We Are 

Equispheres is a Canadian materials science innovator headquartered in Ottawa's advanced technology hub. Privately held and engineering‑driven, we develop next‑generation metal powders that unlock higher performance, reliability, and scalability in additive manufacturing (AM). Our mission is to empower our partners with materials that enable the industrial AM revolution, and elevate Canada's role in the global AM ecosystem.

Powered by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, metallurgists, and engineers, Equispheres has pioneers proprietary powder manufacturing technologies that produce exceptionally uniform, free‑flowing, metal powders (aluminum, copper, etc.). These engineered powders deliver superior process efficiency, mechanical properties, and repeatability—critical advantages for aerospace, defense, automotive, and high‑value industrial applications.

From lightweight structural components to high‑reliability parts for mission‑critical systems, our superior materials are designed to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing across sectors where strength, precision, and safety are non‑negotiable. As a proudly Canadian technology company, Equispheres is committed to supporting the North American defense industrial base, advancing domestic manufacturing capability, and providing trusted materials for applications that protect people and secure the future.

About the Role 

Our expanding manufacturing facility is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer / Controls Designer to join our engineering team based at our product plant. This role initially involves maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing our plant automation systems, followed by designing, developing, and commissioning new facilities to support the Equispheres' technology rollout schedule. You will be responsible for maintaining and optimizing existing PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms.

Additionally, you will lead small to medium-sized projects and assist in the design and commissioning of new equipment and facilities as we scale. This role will involve close collaboration with operations and maintenance teams and adherence to rigorous documentation and Management of Change (MOC) practices. Whether you are a junior engineer eager to learn through mentorship or an experienced engineer ready to take responsibility for plant control systems, this position offers both responsibility and opportunities for growth.

What You'll Do

• Own development, maintenance, and enhancement of PLC programs and HMI/SCADA applications.
• Troubleshoot control panels, I/O, field devices, sensors, actuators, and VFDs; perform analog/digital signal conditioning and PID loop tuning.
• Read, update, and redline P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control cabinet layouts; produce complete as‑built documentation using CAD tools.
• Design control cabinets and select components (PLCs, safety relays/PLCs, drives, network hardware) to meet standards.
• Ensure documentation, backups, and changes follow ISA/IEC standards and Management of Change (MOC) procedures.
• Administer industrial networks/protocols, support process control strategies, and tune loops to meet safety, quality, and throughput targets.
• Lead or contribute to root‑cause analysis (RCA) and reliability improvements; identify and deliver upgrades that reduce downtime and improve OEE/MTBF.
• Collaborate with contractors and support component selection and procurement.
• Identify process and control improvements to enhance reliability, efficiency, process compliance, and safety.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Controls, Electrical, Automation, Instrumentation, or related engineering discipline from an accredited university.
• 1-7 years of hands-on experience with industrial electrical control system development, programming, or process automation.
• Experience with PLC programming and HMI configuration (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic control systems, and motion control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, DeviceNet, Profibus, ProfiNet).
• Strong foundation in process control, including alarms/interlocks, permissives, sequencing, and PID tuning.
• Familiarity with CAD tools to read/update P&IDs, PFDs, control schematics, wiring/terminal diagrams.
• Comfortable with hands-on work, including wiring panel testing, basic soldering, and instrumentation setup.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset, collaborative attitude, and commitment to workplace safety.

What We Offer

• A culture that values innovation, teamwork, creativity, transparency, and safety.
• Mentorship from a Senior Controls Engineer to accelerate your professional growth.
• Hands-on experience with real-world manufacturing operations and advanced control systems.
• Competitive salary and benefits package. Relocation allowance available for eligible persons.
• Clear career progression toward independent ownership of projects and long-term growth.

Working at Equispheres 

Equispheres values integrity, equity, respect, compassion, and dignity, and is committed to providing a positive, open, inclusive, and accessible work environment that embodies and applies those values. At Equispheres, we all contribute to making the environment a positive and great place for everyone. We believe this is critical to our success. Safety is always important – follow, respect, and be a champion of safe practices. 

Term 

Full-time, indeterminate. 

Location 

Ottawa (Kanata), Ontario 

Travel 

Under 3% 

To Apply 

Please apply online. 

Equispheres is an equal opportunity employer, with policies and practices intended to build an inclusive and accessible work environment.  

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please include it in your cover letter when applying for the position, and all efforts to provide the appropriate accommodation will be put into place.