Automation Technician

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Position Summary/Objective: 
As an Automation Technician, you are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting automated systems, ensuring their proper operation and availability. The automation technician will participate in process improvements involving modifications of automation devices and support the automation integration of the existing machines with the new machines as required.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside Natural Food’s Core Values.
• Understand and lead compliance with both Health and Safety and Food Safety practices.
• Attend breakdown call with focus on Monitoring, troubleshooting, and programming PLC, HMI, VFD, motion control devices etc.
• Responsible for implementing and executing a solid system for the backup of all programs and associated parameters with the most secure and effective way to store them.
• Responsible for troubleshooting communications issues in control networks, including Ethernet TCP/IP, MODBUS TCP/IP, OPC UA. Backup managed switches configurations.
• Support change Management by documenting all modifications and updates on all automation-related programs, parameters, and devices. Including updates to electrical drawings, functional descriptions, P&ID documentation, and control network diagrams.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on complicated and/or recurring automation failure modes. This will include reaching out to a 3rd party, performing risk analysis, evaluating potential causes, and assessing data.
• Perform preventive maintenance on manufacturing equipment including food mixer, slab forming machine, horizontal wrapper, robotic pick and place system, case packer, tunnel oven, conveyors, etc.
• Support CAPEX project as needed including the implementation of the different Ignition SCADA initiatives, integration of the new machines to existing control networks and integration with upstream/downstream equipment, support IO testing and commissioning of new machines with focus on the Automation components.
• Performs work in accordance with established maintenance processes and practices including but not limited to recording work done, recording data for analysis, logging spare parts consumed, cleaning up work area, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• This position reports directly to the Maintenance Supervisor

Key Qualifications/Requirements

• Completion of Control/Automation Engineering Technician program and certification or equivalent qualification
• Certified Provincial Electricians Ticket (442A or 309D) preferred or working toward one
• Minimum 5 years of experience in automation system
• Possess in-depth knowledge and experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, Motion Control Systems. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot industrial automation devices efficiently and effectively.
• Knowledge and experience working with Allen-Bradley and Siemens software, including Studio 500, FT View ME, Connected Components Workbench Developer, TIA Portal.
• Knowledge and experience working with Ignition SCADA is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills including troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills to effectively lead teams to quickly identify issues, causes, and sustainable corrective action.
• Capable of following technical direction while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environments. Possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with a results-oriented and highly organized approach.
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, and interpreting electrical drawings, P&ID drawings, and control network drawings.
• Working experience with equipment such as vertical wrapper, horizontal wrappers, robotics pick and place, tunnel oven is an asset.
• Flexibility to work afternoon and weekends.

Core Values

• A TEAM PLAYER with a positive attitude.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and
• Proven desire to learn takes OWNERSHIP, and a PASSION for technical fields.
• Demonstrates HUMILITY throughout the company on a day-to-day basis.
• Aptitude to exhibit, RESPECT, and protect Riverside’s Core Values in a changing environment.
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

What we expect:

• Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life’s too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don’t enjoy the journey.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we’re okay with that, as long as we’re staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
• Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don’t be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn’t – like the plant, or the boardroom.
• Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
• Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we’re all in this together and we value you.

What We Offer:

• Values-led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises.
• Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren’t obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well.
• Humility: We’re a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don’t brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn’t one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit.
• Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top.

Wait! There’s more!

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values

How to Apply:

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.