Industrial Automation Engineering Student - May Start - 12 Months

The Opportunity JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you a software-savvy engineering student looking to apply your skills in a truly hands-on environment? Our Industrial Automation Engineering Student role offers a unique opportunity to blend software development, data science, and real-world process control.

This isn’t just another programming role — you’ll help bridge the gap between industrial systems and modern digital tools, developing applications and analytics that directly improve plant reliability, efficiency, and insight. You’ll gain experience programming Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLCs, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), while also exploring data integration, visualization, and custom software development to develop real world tools that will be put to use.

Join Canadian Natural, and see how your coding, problem-solving, and analytical mindset can drive tangible change in large-scale industrial automation systems.

- Term length: 12 months

- Term start: May 2026

- Job location: Lac La Biche, Alberta – Kirby/Jackfish Site

- Shift schedule: 8 x 6 – 12 hours (except days 1 & 8 are 6 hours per shift)

- Safety sensitive position: Yes

Key Accountabilities

- Work directly with Emerson DeltaV DCS, PLCs, and HMI/SCADA systems to understand how software drives real industrial processes

- Design and enhance C#/.NET desktop tools that interface with automation systems, manage complex datasets, and improve engineering workflows

- Analyze and visualize process data to identify trends, improve operational stability, and optimize control strategies

- Gain experience with industrial networks, VLAN segmentation, and secure system design

- Contribute to automation of engineering tasks through Python, PowerShell, or SQL to simplify data collection, reporting, and compliance.

- Work within a multidisciplinary automation team to design, test, and deliver real engineering solutions that will be deployed in production

- Help improve and maintain software, automation, and cybersecurity documentation consistent with corporate standards and CSA Z246.1 principles

What You Bring To The Role

- Currently enrolled in your 3rd or 4th year of an Engineering degree in one of the following:

- Computer Engineering

- Electrical Engineering (with a focus or minor in Computer or Software Systems)

- Software Engineering

- Digital or Mechatronics Engineering

- Strong curiosity for learning how software and hardware integrate in complex, real-world systems

- Experience or coursework in object-oriented programming, data analytics, or control systems

- Familiarity with C#, Python, SQL, or PowerShell; exposure to .NET Framework, .NET 8, ASP.NET or TypeScript is an asset

- Interest in networking concepts (Active Directory, domain structures, VLANs, and firewalls) and secure system architecture

- Comfortable working with large datasets, APIs, or developing small utilities to automate tasks

- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

- Valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s license (or equivalent) and a willingness to work in an on-site, hands-on environment

- A mechanical or electrical aptitude and a desire to see your software skills have a physical impact in the field

What We Offer

- Competitive salary

- Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available

- Safety boot allowance

- Safety training certifications and PPE covered

- Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta

- Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural’s Student Relocation Policy. Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term.

- Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community

Check out our

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment.

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023 & 2024 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025.

We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d.

Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural – one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Student Testimonials !