Automation Technician – Solina Canada (Ontario)Full-Time Permanent Position
Ontario – Lynch Foods, a division of Solina Canada
About Solina Canada
Solina Canada is a national leader in the development and manufacturing of customized culinary solutions, including seasonings, marinades, sauces, broths, and functional ingredient blends for the food industry.
Operating in Quebec (Laval and Boisbriand) and Ontario (Toronto), Solina Canada combines the expertise of two well-established companies: Berthelet and Lynch Foods. Together under the Solina banner, we are committed to quality, innovation, and operational excellence.
Our Toronto facility has benefited from over $22 million in automation and manufacturing investments over the past eight years and is one of the most automated food manufacturing facilities within Solina Canada.
Your Role
Reporting directly to the Maintenance Director, the Process & Packaging Automation Technician serves as the plant's automation subject matter expert.
Your primary responsibility is to ensure the reliable operation of our automated manufacturing and packaging systems by providing advanced troubleshooting, technical support, and automation expertise.
This is not primarily a project engineering role.
Success in this position is measured by your ability to maximize equipment uptime, quickly resolve automation issues, support the maintenance team, and maintain the integrity of our control systems.
You will work closely with Maintenance, Production, Quality, Engineering, OEMs, and external service providers to keep critical manufacturing systems operating safely and efficiently.
Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation Troubleshooting & Reliability
- Diagnose and resolve complex automation issues affecting manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and control systems.
- Provide advanced controls support to maintenance technicians and electricians.
- Minimize production downtime through effective fault diagnosis and rapid problem resolution.
- Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
- Maintain automation backups, documentation, and software revisions.
Process Automation
Support automated process equipment including:
- Ingredient delivery systems
- Batch processing systems
- Mixers and cookers
- Pumps and automated valves
- CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems
- Process instrumentation
- Utility control systems
Ensure process automation systems remain reliable while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.
Packaging Automation
Support automated packaging equipment including:
- Fillers
- Cappers
- Labelers
- Conveyors
- Case packers
- Palletizers
- Robotic systems
Troubleshoot production issues while maximizing line availability and equipment performance.
Projects & Technical Support
- Support the installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new automation equipment.
- Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Participate in equipment upgrades and automation improvements.
- Assist with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) when required.
- Preserve and continuously improve plant automation knowledge and documentation.
Safety & Compliance
- Perform all work in accordance with Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements and plant safety standards.
- Support Lockout/Tagout procedures and safe maintenance practices.
- Ensure automation systems support food safety and quality requirements.
- Participate in audits and compliance activities.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Continuous Improvement teams.
- Act as the plant's primary automation technical resource.
- Support and mentor maintenance personnel on automation-related issues.
- Communicate effectively with both internal stakeholders and external automation vendors.
QualificationsEducation
Diploma or Degree in:
- Automation Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Industrial Electronics
- Industrial Automation
- Or equivalent experience
A licensed Industrial Electrician (442A or 309A) with strong automation experience will also be strongly considered.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment in production.
- Experience supporting both process and packaging automation is strongly preferred.
- Food manufacturing experience is considered a significant asset.
Technical Skills
Strong experience with:
- Rockwell Automation (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000)
- Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal)
- HMIs and SCADA systems (Ignition experience is an asset)
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Industrial instrumentation and sensors
- Industrial Ethernet communications (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus)
- Electrical drawings and control schematics
Experience with robotics (Fanuc or equivalent) is considered an asset.
Experience with automated process systems such as batching, ingredient delivery, or CIP systems is highly desirable.
Soft Skills
- Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Calm and effective under production pressure
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- Strong organizational skills
- Safety-focused mindset
- Results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Group RRSP with employer matching contributions up to 5%
- Professional development opportunities
- Stable employment within a growing organization
- Opportunity to become the plant's automation subject matter expert
- Work in one of Solina Canada's most highly automated manufacturing facilities
Why Join Us?
This newly created position represents a unique opportunity to take ownership of automation within a modern manufacturing facility.
You will play a critical role in ensuring production reliability, supporting continuous manufacturing operations, and helping maintain the advanced automation systems that drive our business.
If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working directly on production equipment, and becoming the go-to automation expert in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we'd like to hear from you.
Pay: $80,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have working in industrial automation within a manufacturing environment?
- Do you have hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs?
- Do you have experience working with HMI and/or SCADA systems?
- Do you have experience troubleshooting automated processing and packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment?
Experience:
- Robotics: 3 years (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
