Control Systems Specialist - Co-op Student (Winter 2027)

RidgeTech Automation co-op program offers an opportunity to gain practical experience, expand your technical expertise, and work on projects that support critical business operations. Through hands-on learning and supportive mentorship, you'll develop skills that prepare you for a successful career. The students who thrive in our environment are those who arrive ready to learn, take ownership of their work, seek opportunities to contribute, and actively support the success of the team.

As projects allow, system integration co-op students will take an active role in electrical design, PLC programming, HMI design, robotic programming, project management, or other technical tasks. Co-op students will work independently or as part of a team, while receiving direction, guidance, and mentorship from the RidgeTech team.

Job Summary

Adhere to the RidgeTech Automation Company Policies and uphold the Health & Safety Program

Participate in the design and programming of projects such as:

Electrical and Fluid Power designs using EPLAN and AutoCAD software

PLC & HMI software development using Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Omron, Toyopuc

SCADA/MES development using Ignition and WonderWare

Robot programming and set-up using ABB, Fanuc, Motoman, Nachi, Kuka

Motion control systems using Rockwell, Siemens, Bosch

Peripheral systems including vision systems, marking systems, weld systems, etc.

Utilize Jira to track tasks and work completed, including capturing continuous improvement changes and updating tickets with sufficient detail to build relevant history on task execution

Support client relationships and project scope under the direction of Team Leads or Managers, including communicating progress, client project opportunities, and providing necessary updates

Participate in the testing, commissioning and debugging of automation systems (remotely or physically) at client sites as required

Ensure project documentation is accurate, complete, current and stored appropriately

Remain current with, and be able to find, applicable standards, codes and rules relevant to the work being done

Support and take an active role in learning other aspects of RidgeTech Automation's core business

Utilize non-chargeable time in an efficient and productive manner

Other duties as assigned to support other Team Members and RTA business operations

Skills and Qualifications

Current enrolment in a post-secondary degree/diploma co-op program in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Control Systems, Robotics & Automation, or equivalent

Strong mechanical and electrical aptitudes and the desire to learn in the automation industry, specifically with regards to electrical drawing review, standard coding practices for PLC/HMI/Robotic systems, motion control and other devices typically found in industrial control systems

Positive attitude and ability to communicate well with both clients and team members

Ability to follow instructions and work on tasks with individual steps broken down

Highly motivated team player with a continued openness to learn new troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.)

Time management skills and ability to manage and own tasks with the support of a team environment

Desire to learn, complete training, and provide value when executing non-chargeable work

Flexibility and willingness to work with a multitude of vendors' hardware and software

Experience with Java, HTML, Python, Visual Basic, and/or database programming would be considered an asset

Other Requirements

Current enrolment in a post-secondary degree/diploma co-op program

Hold and maintain a valid Class G license

Have reliable and dependable transportation

Ability to travel locally to support clients as required

Working Hours & Locations

Winter 2027 (January 2027 - April/August 2027) work term with 4 or 8 months available

The core of the position will be 40 hours per week Monday to Friday (commonly 8:00am-4:30pm)

Team Members must be able to work from the office in Cambridge, ON and local client sites

On-site hours will depend on client requirements and will be discussed as applicable

There may be additional opportunities for after-hours or weekend on-site client support

Application Deadline is Thursday, September 17th at 9:00am.

Resume required

Application questions to confirm requirements (eligible program, driver's license, vehicle), current (unofficial) transcript, preferred placement length (4 or 8 months)

Job Status: Currently vacant – actively hiring for 2 co-op students for the Winter 2027 work term

Public Job Posting: September 9 - September 30

Application/ Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed following the deadline and interviews will take place virtually within a week of the deadline

Updates regarding applications or interviews are sent directly via e-mail from BambooHR

Please check your spam/junk folder if you have not received an update (updates will not be provided for duplicate applications)

We use BambooHR as our HRIS to manage applications and to follow up with candidates (RTA does not use this or any other system for AI during the hiring process at this time)

Please contact [email protected] if you require accommodation or assistance during the hiring process

About Us

RidgeTech Automation Inc. is a control systems integrator. From our headquarters in Cambridge, ON, Canada, we deliver world class designs and software for clients in a wide variety of industries around the globe. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality, most trusted automation solutions in the industry.

RidgeTech Automation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate one another and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Team Members. We strive to provide engaging, dynamic, and challenging project opportunities to the team. Together, we are Taking Industry to a Higher Level.

RidgeTech Automation Team Members exhibit the following core values:

Be Safety Centric

A Team with Strong Communication

Provide Quality Services

Integrity in Everything We Do

Learn more about recent projects on the RTA website or see what the team has been up to via LinkedIn .