Manager, Automation Engineering
CoolIT Systems · Calgary, AB
- On site
- Full-time
- CA$120,000 / year
- Calgary, AB
Job highlights
- Lead manufacturing automation strategy and deployment.
- Manage a team of automation engineers.
- Develop and implement scalable automation platforms.
- Drive productivity, quality, and safety improvements.
- Oversee capital automation projects.
About the role
About Coolit Systems Inc.
Founded in Calgary, Alberta in 2001, CoolIT Systems is the leading Direct Liquid Cooling technology provider for data centers, supercomputers, and desktop computers. We design and manufacture solutions used by the largest tech companies globally. Recognized as one of “The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies 2023” by Financial Times and honored with the Deloitte Fast 50 Clean Technology award in 2022, as well as the Deloitte Fast 500 distinction in both 2021 and 2022, CoolIT's rapid growth is capturing global attention. As demand for generative AI, high performance computing and cloud solutions rapidly expands, there has never been a more exciting time to join our team.
Role
The Automation Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, development, and deployment of manufacturing automation solutions across the organization. This role manages a team of automation engineers and technical specialists and partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, IT, and Operations to improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost through scalable and standardized automation platforms. The Automation Engineering Manager establishes automation standards, oversees the execution of capital automation projects, supports operational excellence initiatives using Lean principles, and ensures all automation systems meet regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Automation Engineering team, including coaching, performance management, hiring, and capability development.
- Own the technical direction and roadmap for manufacturing automation technologies including PLC, SCADA, HMI, robotics, vision systems, and data integration platforms.
- Act as the senior technical authority for automation projects from concept through design, implementation, validation, and handover to operations.
- Define and standardize automation architectures, hardware platforms, software standards, documentation practices, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Lead the development of automated physical and software solutions for product assembly and testing.
- Ensure reliable operation and continuous improvement of existing automated systems.
- Drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve throughput, quality, and productivity.
- Prepare and lead business cases, charters, budgets and project plans.
- Manage automation project portfolio, budgets, timelines and risks.
- Ensure commissioning, validation and documentation meet regulatory and internal requirements.
- Establish lifecycle and obsolescence strategies for automation systems.
- Provide escalation-level troubleshooting support.
Who You Are: Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
- 8+ years automation experience and 3+ years leadership experience.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation required.
- Knowledge of IPC-A-610, ISO 9001, Lean and Six Sigma.
Skills
- Strong people leadership and project management skills.
- Advanced automation, robotics and industrial network expertise.
- Strong financial, vendor and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead high-performing teams.
- Ability to manage multi-site programs.
- Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
Why CoolIT?
We strive to be an employer of choice and as such we believe in rewarding our employees with career and development opportunities that will maintain and strengthen our culture while aligning to our vision and values. We are a company that is full of vibrant, innovative people who love what we do.
Benefits
- Vacation and flex days, and paid company-wide shutdown during the holiday season.
- Comprehensive benefits including Dental, Drugs, Optical, Paramedical and Health Spending. These costs are covered by CoolIT and are enacted from your first day.
- Dress for your day – in a casual yet professional environment.
- Retention rewards like “The Big Coffee Break” that reward tenure with additional vacation time and a monetary bonus.
- Employee ownership program.
- Company-funded RRSP contributions to support your long-term financial goals.
We thank every candidate in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo background checks including criminal records check and education.
Key skills/competency
- Automation Engineering Manager
- Manufacturing Automation
- PLC, SCADA, HMI
- Robotics and Vision Systems
- Data Integration
- Lean and Six Sigma
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Engineering
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- Automation Engineering Manager
- Manufacturing Automation
- PLC
- SCADA
- HMI
- Robotics
- Vision Systems
- Data Integration
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Engineering Management
- Calgary Jobs
- CoolIT Systems
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 8+ years automation experience and 3+ years leadership. Emphasize P.Eng, Lean, Six Sigma, and project management expertise.
- Showcase leadership skills: Detail your experience managing technical teams, coaching, and capability development.
- Demonstrate technical acumen: Provide examples of your work with PLC, SCADA, HMI, robotics, and vision systems.
- Quantify achievements: Use data to illustrate your impact on productivity, quality, and cost savings.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your approach to automation strategy, project management, and team leadership.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for the Automation Engineering Manager role at CoolIT Systems?
- The Automation Engineering Manager role at CoolIT Systems requires advanced expertise in PLC, SCADA, HMI, robotics, vision systems, and data integration platforms. A strong understanding of industrial networks and cybersecurity requirements for automation systems is also essential.
- What kind of leadership experience is CoolIT Systems looking for in an Automation Engineering Manager?
- CoolIT Systems seeks an Automation Engineering Manager with at least 3 years of leadership experience. This includes proven ability in coaching, performance management, hiring, and developing technical teams, as well as managing multi-site programs and stakeholder relationships.
- How does CoolIT Systems support the professional development of its employees, especially in an Automation Engineering Manager role?
- CoolIT Systems offers career and development opportunities to maintain and strengthen its culture. They provide employee ownership programs and encourage innovation, suggesting a supportive environment for professional growth for managers and their teams.
- What is the role of Lean and Six Sigma in the Automation Engineering Manager position at CoolIT Systems?
- The Automation Engineering Manager is expected to drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve throughput, quality, and productivity. This involves applying operational excellence principles to enhance manufacturing processes through automation.
- Does CoolIT Systems require a Professional Engineer designation for the Automation Engineering Manager role?
- Yes, a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation is required for the Automation Engineering Manager position at CoolIT Systems, indicating a strong emphasis on professional qualifications and standards.
- What are the benefits of working as an Automation Engineering Manager at CoolIT Systems?
- Benefits at CoolIT Systems include comprehensive health coverage from day one, vacation and flex days, paid company shutdown, retention rewards, an employee ownership program, and company-funded RRSP contributions, all within a casual yet professional environment.