Job Details

Instrumentation Automation Specialist

GEI Consultants is seeking an Instrumentation Automation Specialist to support our growing instrumentation and monitoring practice in Canada. This casual, on-call position will provide specialized technical support for automated monitoring systems, embedded devices, data acquisition, remote communications, programming, circuitry, and instrumentation data management.

The successful candidate will work closely with GEI's Instrumentation Project Manager and technical teams to support the reliable operation of monitoring systems used on major infrastructure and construction projects. The position will initially focus on supporting the Don Valley Crossing project, with the potential to assist other Canadian and United States projects as required.

This is primarily a remote and office-based technical position. Hours will vary depending on project requirements, with no guaranteed minimum number of hours.

About the Role

The Instrumentation Automation Specialist will support the development, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated instrumentation systems. The role will focus on the technical systems that connect field instruments and sensors to data loggers, communications equipment, servers, databases, automated reporting tools, and online data presentation platforms.

Working under the direction of the Instrumentation Project Manager, the successful candidate will assist with specialized programming, dataflow automation, embedded systems, remote system troubleshooting, circuit design, data management, and technical documentation. The position requires a strong understanding of how software, electronics, communications systems, and monitoring equipment operate together as an integrated system.

The successful candidate must be comfortable independently investigating technical problems, developing practical solutions, documenting their work, and coordinating with field personnel when remote troubleshooting or system modifications are required.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot software and scripts used to automate instrumentation data collection, processing, storage, reporting, and presentation.
• Support programming and configuration of data loggers, vibration monitors, automated total station systems, sensor arrays, gateways, and other monitoring equipment.
• Develop and maintain automated dataflows between field instruments, data loggers, communications devices, servers, databases, application programming interfaces, and online monitoring platforms.
• Prepare and maintain Python, SQL, batch, and other scripts used for instrumentation system automation, data processing, reporting, and system maintenance.
• Configure instruments, projects, mapping interfaces, automated reports, alarms, and data presentation tools within instrumentation monitoring platforms.
• Monitor the operation and performance of instrumentation systems, identify interruptions or abnormal data behaviour, and assist with remote or field troubleshooting.
• Support the interpretation and review of monitoring data to distinguish equipment or communications issues from potential project-related movements or exceedances.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of automated reporting systems, data visualizations, monitoring figures, calibration information, and supporting project documentation.
• Design, assemble, test, modify, and troubleshoot electronic circuits, data logger systems, sensor interfaces, communications equipment, and instrumentation enclosures.
• Support embedded systems development, firmware configuration, sensor interfacing, data acquisition, and telemetry communications.
• Complete remote server administration, database maintenance, data organization, system cleanup, backups, and other technical data-management activities.
• Maintain clear records of programming changes, system configurations, equipment installations, troubleshooting activities, and operating procedures.
• Coordinate with instrumentation technicians and project personnel to support installations, maintenance activities, equipment commissioning, and system troubleshooting.
• Apply appropriate quality-control, data-integrity, cybersecurity, and health and safety practices when working with project monitoring systems.
• Respond to time-sensitive instrumentation issues when available and support other instrumentation and monitoring responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree, diploma, or current enrollment in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, or a related technical program.
• Demonstrated experience through employment, academic work, or technical projects involving embedded systems, remote monitoring, telemetry, data acquisition, automation, or sensor-based systems.
• Proficiency with one or more programming languages commonly used for instrumentation and automation, such as Python, C, C++, Java, or similar languages.
• Experience with embedded devices, microcontrollers, sensor interfacing, data loggers, gateways, or instrumentation communications equipment.
• Understanding of communications protocols and technologies such as MQTT, HTTP/HTTPS, TCP/IP, UART, SPI, I2C, cellular communications, or GNSS.
• Experience with databases, cloud-based systems, application programming interfaces, remote servers, or automated data-processing systems.
• Knowledge of digital and analog circuits, schematic diagrams, circuit prototyping, electronics testing, and technical troubleshooting.
• Ability to troubleshoot integrated systems involving software, electronics, communications equipment, sensors, servers, and databases.
• Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn specialized instrumentation equipment, programming environments, and monitoring platforms.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the Instrumentation Project Manager and other project team members.
• Professional and collaborative approach, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining reliable and accurate monitoring systems.
• Ability to work on a casual, on-call basis, with hours varying according to project workload and operational requirements.
• Ability to occasionally support work outside regular business hours when necessary to address time-sensitive system or project requirements.
• Physical and environmental requirements for this position are available upon request.

GEI's Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Program including Health Care and Wellness Spending Accounts
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• RRSP Program
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• And More…

GEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, Aboriginal/Indigenous status or any other factors considered discriminatory. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, we will work with you to meet your needs.