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 Engineering Specialist, you are responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems, while leading and supporting automation initiatives across various industrial projects. This role requires staying up to date with the best practices and emerging solutions in the market. The automation engineering specialist will lead the design and implementation of new automated solutions in collaboration with operations, OEMs and local integrators to enhance operational efficiency, quality and reliability. The automation engineering specialist will participate in process improvements by modifying automation systems and ensuring integration between the existing and new machinery as needed.
- Demonstrate and uphold Riverside Natural Food’s Core Values.
- Understand and lead compliance with both Health and Safety and Food Safety practices.
- Lead CAPEX automation projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Lead and actively participate in the automation scope of various CAPEX projects.
- Develop and manage project plans, budget, and timelines.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders, OEMs and integrators to achieve project goals.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
- Lead the implementation of SCADA systems for both existing and new lines or machinery to gather performance data that supports the decision-making process.
- Develop and continuously update automation URS (User Requirement Specifications) for new assets.
- Design automation systems and control network architectures in collaboration with OEMs for new machinery. Perform hardware and software selection based on project requirements and Riverside automation standards.
- Lead and support the IO testing, dry commissioning and wet commissioning of new machinery.
- Design the automation integration of new assets in existing production lines.
- Provide technical support and training to operations and maintenance teams. Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) on complicated and/or recurring automation failures.
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including electrical diagrams, control network diagrams, manuals, functional descriptions, automation devices backups.
- Other duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationships
- This position reports directly to the Engineering Manager
Key Qualifications/Requirements
- Completion of Control/Automation or Electrical Engineering program and certification or equivalent qualification
- Minimum of 6 years in an automation role with:
- Min. 2 years of experience preferably in industrial or manufacturing environments
- Min. 4 years of experience leading automation projects in the industry
- Strong knowledge of control system and control network design.
- Familiarity with robotics, motion control, and vision systems is a plus.
- Knowledge and experience working with SCADA platforms.
- Proficiency in PLC, HMI, VFD, servo drives and industrial network devices programming.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong project management and organization abilities
- 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.
