Kinectrics takes pride in being consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the energy and utility industry, where purpose and people mean as much as innovation and growth. That’s why we choose only the best and brightest to join us. To keep pace with Canada’s expanding energy and utility sector, Kinectrics has grown from a company of 300 to over 1,000 in only the last few years - and we aren’t looking to slow down. Join our diverse, supportive workplace for a rewarding career in the electricity industry.

Visit our website to learn more:  www.kinectrics.com

The Opportunity

Position: Technologist (Instrumentation and Control)

Employment Type: Permanent

Employment Level: Entry

Location:  800 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, ON

Department: Line Asset Management

Reports to: Principal Engineer (High Current Lab)

Hours per week: 40

Number Required: 1

What We Offer

At Kinectrics, employees are recognized for their knowledge, experience, and contributions while working in a highly technical and challenging environment. Kinectrics puts you in the driver’s seat of your own career, setting you up alongside industry experts who will help you develop the skills essential to your professional growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and rewarding work culture.

• Purpose: The work we do each day helps communities around the world. Find satisfaction in work that really matters, working alongside and as part of the best and brightest in the industry.
• Growth: To keep pace with Canada’s expanding energy and utility sector, we are growing more each day, which means more opportunities for you. We encourage our employees to grow alongside our company thanks to a number of significant training and personal development opportunities.
• Innovation: Our staff proudly develop innovations that push the industry forward.
• Diversity: The company is dedicated to promoting diversity in its workforce, up to and including the senior management level. Our diversity committee ensures we stay up to date on leading trends and best practices, creating a desirable workspace for each and every one of our employees.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive total compensation package unmatched by most industries throughout North America.

If you want to work for a purpose-driven company where you’ll see the real impact of your work, apply today.

General Accountabilities

Primary purpose of this job to operate the HCL station. Participate within a team of technologists in the High Current Lab (Lines Asset Management Department) to provide technical support and testing services in areas such as test development, test construction, test operation, technical analysis and preparation of test reports in relation to equipment testing and arc testing on fabrics. Perform testing in high current laboratory to determine the performance, condition, and standard compliance of electrical apparatus, such as transformers, switches, breakers, grounding equipment, and connectors; and assess the performance of PPE, etc. Gain knowledge of the equipment and experience to become familiar with the operating procedures.

Assist or carry out laboratory tests for studies/projects by developing and installing data acquisition systems, sensors and other monitoring and diagnostic equipment/instrumentation. Innovate and program controller modules, such as Raspberry Pie, for automation of the operation and protection of certain tests such as endurance tests on switches. Maintain test equipment, instrumentation and facilities needed for the laboratory and field test sites. Complete test data sheets, prepare progress reports and other reports such as routine test reports and equipment packing/shipping reports. The initial assignment is within the Line Asset Management (LAM) Department. 

Accountabilities: How You Will Make an Impact

• Design, program, and install the required instrumentation, protection, and data acquisition for tests using available equipment and modules in the lab
• Select, design, and program embedded controllers such as Raspberry Pie, Arduino, PLC, or other similar platforms to automate selected tests
• Choose proper instruments such as CTs, PTs, isolation transformers, isolating amplifiers, etc. with adequate ratios and gains to capture and record test waveforms with high accuracy, minimal noise, and sufficient isolation from power circuit
• Wire and program the control room data acquisition system for capturing the desired waveforms using proper gains, filters, sampling frequency, trigger, etc.
• Program the data acquisition software to apply certain mathematical operations on the captured waveforms, such as RMS value, peak value, energy value, etc. as needed
• Program the test sequencer to trigger data acquisition and video capturing devices as well as control closing or opening of different make switches, circuit breakers, actuators, etc. in real-time for complete automation of the entire test
• Work with test engineer and implement the designed protection relay parameters  
• Manage record of calibration of the lab instruments, coordinate with test engineers and calibration bodies to ensure optimal calibration scheduling is implemented
• Assist with installation of laboratory equipment and test fixtures

What You Need to Succeed

• Three-year college degree or bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control, Computer, Electrical, or Mechatronics engineering is required. Specialized courses or experience in the field of embedded systems programming, data acquisition systems, and automation of electrical systems is required.
• Minimum two years of work experience in the area of instrumentation and control with emphasis on system automation using embedded systems, such as Raspberry Pie, Arduino, NI’s CompactRio, or other similar modules is required
• Minimum of two years of work experience using and programming advanced industrial data acquisition modules such as HBM’s Genesis or QuantumX, NI’s CompactDAQ, or other similar platforms is required
• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of C++ and Python programming languages is required. Working experience with Labview is highly desired
• Experience using or calibrating PTs and CTs and other instruments is highly desired
• Working knowledge of isolating amplifiers or other isolating techniques is required
• Advanced knowledge of DAC, ADC, and digital I/O cards
• Requires knowledge of electrical theory and ability to analyze simple single phase, three phase, and DC circuits
• Knowledge of power system equipment, applicable standards, and high voltage and high current testing is a plus
• Experience working in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 is a plus
• Basic understanding of continuous improvement techniques; experience with workplace organization.
• Physically fit: ability to move/lift/rearrange heavy items up to 50 lb; standing for extended period, crouching, kneeling etc.
• General experience operating hand tools, drill press, saw, grinder, hydraulic pumps etc.
• Ability to work effectively both alone and in teams
• Must be self-motivated, and have strong prioritizing and time management skills
• Ability to travel and flexibility to meet tight deadlines
• Strong written (technical and non-technical) and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service orientation

Kinectrics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.