WhiteWater makes products, but we are a service business at our heart, which means we are a people business. In this way, we excel and create value for our clients by listening to their needs, collaborating to develop solutions, problem-solving and attending to the details. Our culture, as you would expect, reflects these traits. We are a diverse group of experts, from creative designers to talented engineers. Whatever expertise we bring from all over the world, we listen and learn from each other because we are aligned with a clearly understood purpose. Together, we create fun for families globally.
Interested in starting an exciting career with WhiteWater? Apply today!
Position Electrical Controls/Automation Engineer or Technologist
Shift Full-Time, 40 hours a week (4 days on-site)
Salary 80,000-100,000
Department Engineering- Mechatronics
Location Richmond, BC, Canada (HQ relocating to Vancouver in 2027)
Reports to Mechatronics Controls Team Lead
PURPOSE
Own the design, delivery, and commissioning of ride control systems that improve safety, reduce project lead times, and ensure consistent, right-first-time execution across global projects.
This role bridges engineering design and project delivery, ensuring that control systems are technically sound, buildable, reliable, and commercially competitive.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and deliver robust, safety-compliant control systems for complex ride installations.
- Lead PLC/HMI development and control system architecture (IEC 61131-3, Siemens TIA Portal).
- Own functional safety design and validation, including risk assessment and ISO 13849 compliance.
- Ensure right-first-time design and commissioning, minimizing rework and field defects.
- Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer handover on global project sites.
- Support bid and proposal development with cost-effective, buildable control solutions.
- Drive standardization and reuse of control architectures across ride platforms.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Project Execution, Product, and Supply Chain to deliver on time.
- Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, company standards, and regulatory requirements.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Electrical system design (75%) and PLC programming completed according to defined project scope and schedule
- Systems commissioned (25%) on schedule with minimal rework
- Reduced controls-related defects and field issues
- Faster startup and smoother customer handover
- Increased reuse of standardized control solutions
- Positive customer feedback during installation and commissioning
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Mechatronics preferred)
- 4–6 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
- EIT an asset (must be or eligible for registration with EGBC).
- Strong experience in PLC programming, system integration, and commissioning
- Proficiency with:
- Siemens TIA Portal and industrial automation systems
- Industrial networks (PROFINET, PROFIsafe, Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
- IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder, FBD, Structured Text)
- Solid understanding of functional safety design and validation (ISO 13849, SISTEMA)
- Experience with electrical installation, system design, schematics, and AutoCAD
- Strong troubleshooting capability across software, hardware, and networked systems
- Experience working with international standards and regulators is an asset
COMPETENCIES, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Ownership mindset with accountability for end-to-end system delivery
- Execution-focused, balancing engineering rigor with delivery timelines
- Field-ready and effective under commissioning pressure
- Maintain a proactive, do what is necessary approach to achieve client success
- Customer-facing with strong professional presence on-site
- Structured thinker who develops scalable, repeatable solutions
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS (CRITICAL)
- Frequent international travel required
- On-site assignments of 2–3+ weeks for installation, commissioning, and support
- Must be able to travel globally without restriction
WHITEWATER COMPETENCIES:
- Accountability – We do what we say
- Collaboration – We work well together
- Customer Focus – We know and respond to our customers
- Communication – We listen to and understand each other
- Authenticity – We are honest and trust each other
- Resilience – We deal effectively with pressure, are persistent and optimistic
- Flexibility & Adaptability – We are willing and able to respond to changing circumstance
Skills Required
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
- Mechatronics degree preferred
- 4-6 years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
- Strong experience in PLC programming, system integration, and commissioning
- Proficiency with Siemens TIA Portal and industrial automation systems
- Experience with industrial networks: PROFINET, PROFIsafe, Ethernet/IP, Modbus
- Knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder, FBD, Structured Text)
- Solid understanding of functional safety design and validation (ISO 13849, SISTEMA)
- Experience with electrical installation, system design, schematics, and AutoCAD
- Strong troubleshooting capability across software, hardware, and networked systems
- Experience working with international standards and regulators
- Frequent international travel; on-site assignments of 2-3+ weeks; ability to travel globally without restriction
- Knowledge of applicable electrical codes, company standards, and regulatory requirements
What We Do
WhiteWater leads the attractions industry because we live by some clear principles; we hold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and entertainment value in all we do. The result has helped us grow from operating our own water park in 1980 to supplying the world’s leading entertainment and hospitality brands with products and services they can count on, because we understand the importance of lasting quality and reliability on the bottom line. We also appreciate the value of being local—our six regional offices mean we are available in your time zone and understand your local culture, which allows us to provide the advice and quality of service that our reputation for excellence is based upon. It is these strong and trusting relationships with employees, suppliers, and customers alike that create the strength of our brand. We believe that integrity in business means creating a transparent relationship amongst all parties and delivering on our promises. We’ve learned a lot about what makes a venue successful over the last 40+ years with over 6,000 aquatic entertainment projects completed around the world. We don’t begin by designing a venue, we start by thinking about what guests come to experience. That is what delivers a solid ROI. We know that there is more to the science of entertainment just excellent engineering; we understand the value of emotion and that is where the magic lies. We innovate relentlessly to meet your guests’ ever evolving expectations because we are as invested in their safety, engagement, and overall satisfaction as you are. At WhiteWater, we don’t just sell attractions; we partner with our customers to deliver world-class experiences not found anywhere else. We’re here to create places where fun thrives.
