PLC/Embedded Software Team Lead

About CoolIT Systems Inc.

CoolIT Systems is the leading direct liquid cooling technology provider for data centers, supercomputers, and desktop computers. Founded in Calgary, Alberta in 2001, we design and manufacture solutions used by the largest tech companies globally. Recognized as one of “The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies 2023” by the Financial Times and honored with the Deloitte Fast 50 Clean Technology award in 2022, as well as the Deloitte Fast 500 distinction in 2021 and 2022, our rapid growth is capturing global attention.

Role We are seeking a skilled PLC/Embedded Software Team Lead. Reporting to the Director of Systems Engineering, you will lead a dedicated team of PLC programmers and embedded software engineers to develop Coolant Distribution Units for the datacenter industry, supervising design activities, defining group strategy, providing technical guidance, and maintaining design quality.

Responsibilities

Oversee and approve the PLC/Embedded Software design of Coolant Distribution, ensuring adherence to product development processes and project schedules.

Coordinate with Electrical, Thermo‑Mechanical, and Test Engineering to align design direction and decisions.

Promote a culture of innovation by encouraging the team to explore new technologies, development approaches, and design methodologies.

Collaborate with Product Management to define the “What” and “Why” of the Product Roadmap and Requirements.

Guide, and hold accountable, your reports for achieving the “How” and “When” of their assigned deliverables.

Provide individual contribution to the PLC product development, as needed.

Manage team workload, prioritize, and delegate tasks with a focus on technical skill development, career growth, and performance management.

Define and standardize PLC architectures, software standards, documentation practices, and IT network and cybersecurity requirements.

Build strong relationships with internal & external customers and critical component suppliers to foster continuous improvement and quality.

Engage in internal cross‑functional initiatives around continuous improvement, process development, and advanced technology.

Implement and maintain project management practices aligned with business objectives within the team.

Contribute to department budget planning, team growth, and project execution roadmaps.

Mentor engineers on technical skills, decision‑making, and leadership capabilities.

Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide actionable feedback.

Who You Are Basic Qualifications

7+ years of experience in a similar technical field (electrical engineering, PLC programming, Embedded SW).

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.

Advanced experience with control strategies (PID, fault handling, redundancy concepts) and robust commissioning practices.

Industrial communications and networking: RS232/RS485, Modbus, TCP/IP/UDP, and practical troubleshooting across OT networks.

Awareness of industrial cybersecurity expectations; familiarity with ISA/IEC 62443 concepts preferred. Functional safety awareness (IEC 61508) preferred where safety requirements apply.

Experience designing for high volume production for commercial products.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a fast‑paced environment with strong engineering execution habits: code/design reviews, regression mindset, sprint planning, and continuous improvement.

Eng designation or similar professional credentials considered an asset.

Skills

Soft Skills: Patience, active listening, organization, communication, empathy, and time management.

Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, develop, and motivate engineering teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Performance Management: Competence in holding reports accountable, providing feedback, and conducting regular performance reviews.

Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills to engage with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers effectively.

Decision‑Making: Demonstrated ability to make data‑driven decisions and resolve complex technical challenges.

Risk Management: Competence in identifying and mitigating project risks.

Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to adjust to changing priorities and business needs.

PLC/Embedded Tools: PLC IDE (CODESYS/UnilogC), Embedded Toolchains & Development Tools (STM32CubeIDE, IAR Workbench), OT/Network & Protocol Tools (Wireshark, BACnet).

Project Management Tools: Experience with Jira, Confluence, Click‑Up, or Microsoft Project.

Travel: Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Why CoolIT We strive to be an employer of choice, rewarding employees with career and development opportunities that strengthen our culture and align with our vision and values. We are a vibrant, innovative community who love what we do.

Benefits

Vacation and flex days, and paid company‑wide shutdown during the holiday season.

Comprehensive benefits including Dental, Drugs, Optical, Paramedical and Health Spending, covered from day one.

Casual yet professional dress code.

Retention rewards such as “The Big Coffee Break” that grant additional vacation time and a monetary bonus.

Employee ownership program.

Company‑funded RRSP contributions to support long‑term financial goals.

We thank every candidate in advance; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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