Ecolab
Provides water, hygiene, infection prevention solutions
Automation Engineer - Controls & Automation
About the job
- A bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required.
- Strong experience developing, troubleshooting, and commissioning programmable logic controller programs and human-machine interface applications is required.
- Experience programming, integrating, teaching, and commissioning industrial or collaborative robots is required.
- Experience configuring, programming, tuning, and troubleshooting servo drives, servo motors, and motion-control systems is required.
- Demonstrated experience delivering automated machinery from requirements and design through programming, commissioning, documentation, training, and final production hand-off is required.
- Experience integrating programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, robots, motion systems, safety devices, industrial networks, sensors, pneumatics, and test equipment is required.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, machine drawings, input/output lists, network diagrams, and control panel documentation is required.
- Must be legally authorized to work in Canada without employer sponsorship.
- Strong understanding of machine sequencing, operating modes, interlocks, alarms, diagnostics, industrial communications, and fault-recovery routines.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues and apply analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet project timelines, and develop practical solutions within budget and schedule constraints.
- Strong computer skills and ability to interpret technical data to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Design, develop, and implement automation solutions that transform manual and semi-automated manufacturing processes into integrated assembly and product-testing systems.
- Develop controls architecture, functional requirements, machine sequences, input/output layouts, network architecture, and equipment-integration strategies.
- Program, troubleshoot, and commission programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, servo-motion systems, industrial and collaborative robots, and machine controls.
- Integrate programmable logic controllers, robots, vision systems, sensors, safety systems, pneumatics, test equipment, and industrial communication networks.
- Lead automation projects from concept and design through programming, testing, installation, commissioning, validation, production ramp-up, and final hand-off.
- Prepare technical documentation including project proposals, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, execution plans, standard operating procedures, operating manuals, work instructions, and preventive-maintenance procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design machine layouts, tooling, fixtures, guarding, sensor placement, and equipment accessibility while ensuring manufacturability and reliability.
- Train engineers, technicians, and operators on equipment operation, robot programming, troubleshooting, and safe operating practices.
- Provide ongoing production support by troubleshooting complex automation and controls issues while driving equipment reliability and performance.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and continuous-improvement principles to enhance throughput, product quality, safety, equipment reliability, cycle time, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure automated equipment meets safety, quality, documentation, maintainability, and operator-usability requirements before production release.
- Working knowledge of IPC-A-610, ISO 9001, and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar three-dimensional computer-aided design software.
- Experience with supervisory control and data acquisition, LabVIEW, embedded systems, Python, C, C++, SQL, or manufacturing data systems.
- Experience working with Universal Robots, EPSON, FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar robotics platforms.
- Experience creating machine standard operating procedures, operating manuals, troubleshooting guides, and training documentation.
About the company
Ecolab is a global leader providing water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services to about three million commercial locations. Its offerings include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfection, water treatment, and related equipment, delivered through on-site service plus data-driven insights. The company differentiates itself with a large worldwide footprint, a broad portfolio across multiple industries, and tailored, ongoing support from a large field team. Its goal is to help customers run safer, cleaner operations while using water and energy more efficiently and reducing environmental impact.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Founded
1923
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 organic sales grew 5%; Ecolab raised 2026 EPS guidance to $8.05-$8.25.
- K-water partnership broadens access to semiconductor and data-center water projects in Korea.
- Global High-Tech sales rose 29%, and management targets $4 billion by 2030.
What critics are saying
- $4.75 billion CoolIT adds debt; 2026 EPS gets a $0.20 quarterly drag.
- Pension miscalculation class action in Minnesota threatens reputational damage and legal expense.
- AI cooling bets must integrate fast; a bad launch could stall 2030 targets.
What makes Ecolab unique
- Ecolab's 45,000 associates embed technical service inside customer plants across 170 countries.
- CoolIT acquisition gives Ecolab direct liquid cooling for AI data centers.
- 3D TRASAR ties chemistry, sensors, and software into one operating system.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Company Match
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 1%1 year growth
↑ 1%2 year growth
↑ 1%Ecolab launches Hybrid, equipment that centralizes cleaning and sanitizing steps. More in the news: Hybrid 7 is a solution that combines pressurized water, detergent, and sanitizer in one place. This new sanitization platform was developed to make cleaning processes more efficient, safe, and sustainable, and can be used in cheese factories. Launched in August during Siavs 2026, an event focused on animal protein production chains, Hybrid 7 is a centralized surface sanitization system that provides pressurized water, detergent, and sanitizer in a single piece of equipment, and can have branches ("satellites"), guaranteeing pressure even with all points open. "In the cheese factory, it is used to sanitize floors, production tables, molds, external equipment, conveyor belts, drains, and other surfaces that come into direct and indirect contact with food," explains Alexandre Ito, manager of the food and beverage division at Ecolab in Brazil. "In addition to making the process more efficient, the system can reduce water consumption by up to 50% compared to the conventional use of hoses." Hybrid 7 works in three main stages: 1. Rinsing, with a high-pressure water supply from the main station, is useful for removing milk, cheese, fat, and protein residue accumulated during production; 2. Application of foam detergent, since the equipment automatically doses the chemical at the correct concentration and generates high-adhesion foam, uniformly covering surfaces and increasing cleaning efficiency; 3. Sanitization, because after the final rinse, the system allows for the controlled application of sanitizer to ensure a reduction in the microbiological load, in order to meet food safety requirements. Alexandre explains that, for installation, a suitable location is needed to mount the Mainstation, which can be a wall or a technical area. To ensure its proper functioning, it is necessary to maintain the supply of water, power, compressed air, and chemicals (such as alkaline or chlorinated alkaline detergent and sanitizer), in addition to performing preventive maintenance and following the recommended cleaning procedures. Ito points out that the system is robust and easy to operate - it can be operated independently by one or two users. Hybrid also incorporates automation features that simplify use, increase productivity, and reduce the need for manual intervention. Key differentiating features include automatic pressure control, integrated flow measurement, and a frequency-controlled pump, which provides greater precision in chemical application and lower energy consumption. The platform also offers improved mobility, optimized thermal management, and continuous performance monitoring, contributing to safer, more standardized, and sustainable operations. According to Alexandre, artisanal terroir cheese production does not require any specific care when using the Hybrid 7. "The main benefit in this type of production is greater control over foam and reduced water consumption during rinsing, contributing to more efficient hygiene and greater control of the cheesemaking process," says Alexandre. "The system's connectivity also allows for remote monitoring and speeds up technical support when needed," he adds. Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) operates in the sustainability and food safety sector, offering solutions and services in water, hygiene, and infection prevention. One of its focuses is optimizing the use of water, energy, and resources to make operations more productive, resilient, and sustainable. Ricardo Maciel, leader of Ecolab's Light Division in Brazil, observes: "The protein industry faces increasing challenges related to efficient water use, operational costs, and environmental compliance. Our goal is to help customers transform these challenges into opportunities through a combination of technical expertise, innovation, and digital technologies," he concludes. Enter your name and email to receive its information.
K-water chief meets Ecolab CEO to launch advanced industrial water partnership - The Korea Times. * This Week * This Month Random posts. New Research Reveals The Fertilizer Companies Profiting Off IA Nitrate Pollution Food... The fatalities come amid declining vaccination rates and calls from President Donald... Point: The Planet Isn't Burning, but the Climate Change Narrative Is NH Journal Galápagos corals show El Niño events are more extreme now than in past 1,000 years... Mbadi urges bottled water traders to cut prices after tax reduction People Daily
Ecolab has spent $7 billion over six months to address water usage in AI data centers, including a $4.75 billion acquisition of Calgary-based liquid-cooling company CoolIT. The 103-year-old company aims to make data centers "water-neutral" as US demand for these facilities is projected to double between 2025 and 2027. CoolIT's closed-loop technology captures heat from high-density chips without spraying or evaporating water. Single data centers currently consume millions of gallons daily. The acquisition expands Ecolab's role beyond water treatment into chip cooling and system design. Ecolab, which generates $16 billion annually, serves 3 million customers across 172 countries in food, water, power, and infection control. The company's 2030 goals include halving carbon emissions and helping customers conserve 300 billion gallons of water annually.
Ecolab reported an 11% increase in adjusted EPS for Q2 2026, driven by 5% organic sales growth. Pricing strengthened to 4% in the quarter, with expectations of 5% to 6% in the second half. Life Sciences delivered strong performance with 15% growth and a mid-20% operating income margin. Global High-Tech surged 29%, approaching $1.5 billion in annualised sales, supported by the CoolIT Systems acquisition. Ecolab Digital grew 27%. The company faced challenges including a nearly 1% volume headwind from Middle East disruptions and low single-digit declines in underperforming businesses representing 15% of sales. Ecolab raised its 2026 EPS outlook to $8.05 to $8.25, representing 7% to 10% growth versus last year. The company expects 6% to 7% organic sales growth in the second half and reaffirmed its 20% operating margin target for 2027.
Ecolab reported second quarter 2026 results showing reported sales of $4.4 billion, up 10%, with organic sales growth accelerating to 5%. The company posted reported diluted earnings per share of $1.90, up 3%, and adjusted diluted EPS of $2.09, representing 11% growth. The St Paul-based water and hygiene solutions provider raised its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS outlook to a range of $8.05 to $8.25, representing 7% to 10% growth. This exceeded prior expectations of $8.03 to $8.23. Growth was driven by strong volume increases despite Middle East disruptions, improved pricing and productivity gains that offset rising commodity costs. The company's reported operating income margin reached 17.2%, whilst organic operating income margin stood at 18.8%, up 40 basis points. Ecolab expects third quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS between $2.13 and $2.23, representing 3% to 8% growth.