Manufacturing Automation Specialist

WHO WE ARE…

We are MAKRs – Our common goal, our passion, is to create global communities connected through play and social experiences. The MAKR Group is comprised of three brands: Waterplay, a global splash pad provider; Parkworks, a Western Canadian park space supplier; and Wekid Mfg., Canada’s most playfully professional steel manufacturing team.

With tens of thousands of play and park space installations worldwide, we’ve helped millions of people of all ages and abilities access fun, inviting, and “go-backable” recreation spaces. What makes us jump out of bed every morning is knowing we’re integral to creating these meaningful places, and we need people like you to help us build them!

WHO YOU ARE…

We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Information Technology/Operational Technology (IT/OT) Specialist who thrives at the intersection of machines, networks, data, and business systems.

In this role, you’ll bridge the gap between the shop floor and enterprise platforms—connecting production equipment to systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and analytics platforms. Your work will transform raw machine signals into reliable, decision-ready data that drives operational efficiency and business insight.

If you get excited about making CNC machines talk to ERP systems, eliminating manual data entry, and building automation that actually works in the real world, this role is for you.

This is not a single-discipline position. We’re looking for a hybrid systems integrator who combines practical operational technology (OT) knowledge with strong enterprise IT capability—someone who can connect the physical world of manufacturing with modern digital systems.

WHAT YOU’LL DO…

- Design and implement secure IT/OT network integrations and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) automation across our production equipment and robotics systems

- Integrate shop-floor systems with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Quality Management Systems (QMS) applications

- Configure and support industrial data flows using standard machine-to-software connections

- Translate machine data into clean, contextualized manufacturing insights

- Support testing, go-live, and stabilization.

- Create documentation that survives real-world operations

- Develop and deliver training

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

- Industrial control systems fundamentals - Computer Numerical Control (CNC) controllers (Fanuc, Haas, Siemens, Panasonic); Programmable Logic Controller/Numerical Control (PLC/NC) communication concepts (registers, tags, polling vs event-driven)

- Industrial communication standards and connectors (how machines share data with other systems) Fanuc FOCAS, Serial (Recommended Standard 232/Recommended Standard 485; RS-232/485) to Ethernet gateways

- Direct Numerical Control/Machine Data Collection (DNC/MDC) architectures - Program download/upload (DNC); Machine state, cycle time, alarms, utilization (MDC)

- Edge hardware selection & configuration - Industrial personal computers (PCs), protocol gateways, serial-to-Ethernet devices; Wireless vs wired OT networking tradeoffs

OTHER INFORMATION:

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Kelowna, BC (805 Crowley Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7G6), working Monday to Friday on 8-hour shifts.

WHAT YOU BRING:

- Diploma or Degree in Data Analytics, IT, Computer Science, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience.

- 3–5+ years of experience as a Data Analyst or Business Systems Analyst in ERP‑enabled or manufacturing organizations.

WORK PERKS:

We thrive when our MAKRs thrive! Here's what you can look forward to...

- Competitive annual salary starting at $70,000.00–$90,000.00 CAD, plus the potential to earn more through an annual bonus

- 2 weeks of paid vacation and 5 wellness days that can be used flexibly to cover illness, injury, or personal time off

- A flexible work schedule

- Opportunity to enroll in our comprehensive group benefits package, registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), and deferred profit-sharing plan (DPSP) after three months of employment

- Access to free and confidential counselling, coaching, and resources through an Employee and Family Assistance Program

- Professional development opportunities to help you grow your skills and career

- Safety reimbursement for eligible expenses such as safety shoes, prescription safety glasses, and custom hearing protection

- A fun, people-first culture with product “testing”, catered lunches, contests, silent auctions, and more!

MAKR fosters an inclusive environment where every team member is valued, respected, and encouraged to share their unique perspectives. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all qualified persons.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected to move forward will be contacted.

Pay: $70,000.00-$90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress

- Company events

- Dental care

- Employee assistance program

- Extended health care

- Flexible schedule

- Life insurance

- On-site parking

- Paid time off

- Profit sharing

- Vision care

- Wellness program

Work Location: In person