Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer ​/ Technologist

Overview

Are you passionate about solving complex industrial automation challenges and modernizing critical manufacturing infrastructure?

Cogent Industrial Technologies is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist to join our growing team in Richmond, British Columbia. This role offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of industrial automation projects across North America, including control system modernizations, PLC migrations, SCADA/HMI development, industrial networking, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

You will work alongside experienced automation professionals to design, develop, commission, and support industrial control systems for customers operating in forestry, pulp and paper, aggregates, utilities, manufacturing, and other process industries. Projects range from brownfield modernization efforts involving legacy control systems to large-scale greenfield installations utilizing modern automation platforms.

Founded in 2005 and acquired by Kadant Inc. in 2020, Cogent Industrial Technologies has built a reputation as a trusted industrial automation solutions provider delivering innovative technologies that improve operational visibility, reliability, efficiency, and performance. With a growing global client base and significant expansion plans, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company where your contributions will have a direct impact on both project success and company growth.

At Cogent, we believe technology should contribute to a more sustainable and productive world. Our culture is built on integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As part of our team, you will:

• Work on challenging industrial automation projects throughout North America
• Gain exposure to a broad range of control platforms including Schneider Electric, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, AVEVA/Wonderware, and emerging technologies
• Collaborate directly with clients, engineers, operators, and plant personnel
• Participate in major modernization and digital transformation initiatives
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding organization
• Contribute to a company committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices

Cogent is positioned for significant growth over the coming years as industrial organizations continue to invest in modernization, connectivity, and advanced automation solutions.

Cogent Industrial Technologies is seeking an Intermediate Automation & Controls Engineer / Technologist to support the design, development, commissioning, and long-term support of industrial automation projects across North America.

Working within a collaborative and highly technical team, you will participate in all phases of project execution, from concept development and system design through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer support. Projects include brownfield modernization initiatives, legacy control system migrations, industrial networking, SCADA/HMI development, and greenfield facility installations.

This role is well suited for a technically curious and hands‑on automation professional who enjoys solving complex industrial challenges and working directly with customers in operating facilities.

During your first 12 months, you will:

• Develop a strong understanding of Cogent's clients, technologies, project delivery processes, and company culture.

• Build trusted working relationships with customers, project stakeholders, and team members.

• Successfully contribute to automation projects through design, programming, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.

• Deliver high-quality technical work that meets or exceeds customer expectations.

• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a willingness to take ownership of project deliverables.

• Contribute to Cogent's reputation as a trusted industrial automation partner.

• Design, develop, test, and commission industrial control systems for customers across a variety of process industries.

• Support modernization projects involving legacy and contemporary automation platforms including Schneider Electric, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Ignition, and AVEVA/Wonderware systems.

• Develop PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications in accordance with project specifications and customer requirements.

• Assist with the preparation of control narratives, functional descriptions, I/O lists, network architectures, and technical documentation.

• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC-UA, MQTT, and related protocols.

• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup activities.

• Troubleshoot control system issues in operating industrial facilities and develop practical solutions to improve system performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with customers, electricians, instrumentation technicians, operators,…