Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID: 44731
Controls Programmer
Grand Falls, NB
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences -together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.
About the role.
McCain Foods (Canada) is seeking a Controls Programmer to join our Fry Plant in Grand Falls, NB. This position requires a valid Industrial Electrician license: dual-trade certification as an Instrumentation Technician is a strong asset. The successful candidate will program and/or assist in the programming of plants PLC's and troubleshoot various electrical/communication issues that arise. This can be a physically demanding role requiring 12-hour shifts schedule with the possibility of working nights and weekends. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
What you'll be doing.
Provide design, configuration, programming, start-up, commissioning, and troubleshooting services for plant electrical, instrumentation and control systems such as
- PLCs (hardware, software, and HMIs)
- VFDs (variable frequency drives)
- control and communication networks
- optical sorting equipment
- motors and motor control centres
- instrumentation systems, including sensors, transmitters, control valves, and related field devices
- Work with engineering on the development of the five-year strategic capital plan by assessing controls, electrical, and instrumentation assets and recommending projects based on obsolescence, reliability, operational risk, performance, and long-term business needs
- Collaborate with Capital Project Managers with site acceptance testing and commissioning activities
- Assist maintenance and production personnel in resolving electrical, instrumentation and controls issues
- Communicate emergency repair issues clearly and promptly, including the problem, actions taken, and support required
- Willingness to provide occasional after-hours diagnostic and troubleshooting support, including evenings and weekends ("standby rotation schedule").
What you'll need to be successful.
- Must hold a valid Industrial Electrician licence; dual-trade certification as an Instrumentation Technician is considered a strong asset
- Expert-level knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and the Rockwell Automation software suite, supported by extensive hands-on programming and troubleshooting experience
- Expert-level knowledge of industrial communication and controls networking principles, supported by extensive hands-on design, configuration, and troubleshooting experience
- Demonstrated strength in planning, prioritizing, organizing, and coordinating complex work in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Highly self-directed, accountable, and proactive, with a strong capacity to master new technologies and apply learning independently
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and influence effective decisions
- Exceptional attention to detail, situational awareness, and sound judgment in identifying risks, diagnosing issues, and determining appropriate action
Safety requirements:
- Knowledge of CSA electrical code and Arc Flash Safety requirements with demonstrated ability to interpret standards and apply them to industrial controls
- Demonstrate visible safety leadership by consistently applying Lockout/Tagout procedures and all McCain safety policies, using appropriate PPE, proactively identifying and correcting hazards, and reinforcing safe work practices with employees and contractors
- Complete thorough Job Safety Plans and job-site hazard assessments
- Actively contribute technical expertise during safety talks
- Follow GMPs and HACCP protocols. Ensure all controls, electrical, and maintenance activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and HACCP food-safety procedures
- Follow McCain Environmental Management System (EMS) Programs
About McCain .
Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.
Leadership principles .
At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.
The McCain experience .
We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we're better together.
Compensation Package : - Starting at 27.27 CAD hourly + Bonus eligibility + Hourly Pay Differential for applicable shifts
The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Benefits: At McCain, we're on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well-being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person's needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support including medical, family and bereavement. Well-being programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role. Additional benefit details are available during the application process.
Your well-being matters to us, and we're here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work - and at home.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know , and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain's Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy , as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here .
Job Family: Manufacturing; Engineering & Technical
Location(s): CA - Canada : New Brunswick : Grand Falls
Company: McCain Foods (Canada)
Skills Required
- Valid Industrial Electrician licence
- Dual-trade certification as an Instrumentation Technician
- Expert-level knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC hardware and Rockwell Automation software
- Extensive hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
- Expert-level knowledge of industrial communication and controls networking principles
- Extensive hands-on design, configuration, and troubleshooting experience with industrial networks and controls
- Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and coordinate complex cross-functional work
- Ability to work independently, demonstrate accountability, and learn new technologies
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, risk identification, and sound judgment
- Knowledge of CSA electrical code and Arc Flash Safety requirements
- Ability to apply Lockout/Tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and workplace safety policies
- Ability to complete job safety plans and hazard assessments
- Knowledge of GMP and HACCP food-safety procedures
- Willingness to work 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, and occasional standby rotations
McCain Foods Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is often characterized as affordable or good, with medical, dental, and vision options supported by mental-health resources and an Employee and Family Assistance Program. Company materials also highlight wellbeing resources available to employees and families.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match and other retirement options are presented as strong components of total rewards. Mentions of good matching and region-specific retirement support reinforce long-term financial benefits.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, sick time, paid holidays, and parental leave feature prominently across materials. Some locations note solid starting vacation and region-dependent leave programs.
McCain Foods Insights
What We Do
The power it has to uplift and bring people, Guided by our purpose - Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food - we believe that working together with our teams, business and community partners will bring sustainable growth and positive change - today, tomorrow and for generations to come. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in over 160 countries and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. Our product quality, people and customer dedication help us achieve global sales in excess of CDN $10 billion. Through our investment and innovation, we continue to be a global leader in prepared potato products, including our famous French Fries and appetizers. We are passionate about supporting and developing our people-providing opportunities to grow and learn in their roles, as well as building careers for the long term.
Why Work With Us
We are working to bring digital tools and data into our processes to drive efficiency, automation and data-driven insights. From connecting our business, enabling our supply chain, supporting our customers, to reinventing agriculture. So if you are a tech expert looking to join a company transforming technology, think of McCain.
Gallery
McCain Foods Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
In both our manufacturing plants and corporate offices, we believe connection brings out the best in our people. While in-office expectations will vary by role, flexibility is key. In our corporate offices, the hybrid standard is 3-days in office.


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