Team Lead - Vehicle Application Automation

At MacLean Engineering, we're not just building machines - we're redefining the future of mining through innovation. We're seeking a Team Lead, Vehicle Automation - Applications to help shape the next generation of underground automation. If you're passionate about advancing engineering excellence and want to be at the forefront of real-world autonomy, this role is for you. 

The Position:
As the leader of one of our vehicle automation teams within the Telematics, Automation, and Controls Division, you'll play a pivotal role in defining the development roadmap and technology stack for applications, robotics, and mechanization across six product lines. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you'll drive progress in vehicle autonomy and software standardization across our fleet - while mentoring and empowering your team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

This newly formed team is building on MacLean's strong robotics foundation and advancing our vision for a truly zero-entry mine. The successful candidate will operate at the cutting edge of a rapidly evolving technology sector, developing innovative solutions for real-world mining challenges with a focus on safety-critical resilient autonomy, real-time perception, and adaptive control. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

Technical Leadership and Mentorship 
 

• Lead a team of engineers in the design, development, and deployment of advanced autonomous robotics features, fostering technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide hands-on guidance and mentorship in autonomy software, control algorithms, and robotics integration, ensuring scalable, maintainable solutions and knowledge transfer across the team.
• Define and refine modular control system architecturesleveragingEthernet and CAN protocols (includingCANOpenand J1939), enabling seamless data flow, sensor integration, and real-time robotic operation.

Technical Development 
 

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of autonomous robotic systems for complex mobile platforms, coveringperception, mission-level planning, real-time reasoning, and low-level control, with a focus on robust deployment in underground mining environments.
• Architect and implement autonomy software stacks using ROS 2, simulation environments (Gazebo/Isaac), and model-based design tools (MATLAB/Simulink), applying advanced control strategies such as MPC, sensor fusion, and adaptive actuation,validatedthrough HIL/SIL and digital twin testing.
• Integrate and evaluate advanced robotic platforms (e.g., ABB) andemergingtechnologies, defining modular system architectures and real-time communication protocols (UDP, MQTT, DDS) to enable scalable, maintainable, and production-ready autonomy solutions.

Documentation and Compliance 
 

• Maintain detailed technical documentation of autonomy architectures, control algorithms, and robotic system configurations to support reproducibility, troubleshooting, and handover.
• Ensure all robotics and autonomy solutions meet relevant safety and regulatory standards, including ISO-13849, and adhere to industry best practices for operational reliability.

First Year Goals: 

People: Foster teamwork and create team identity by establishing the new team, a collection of SMEs in related domains, as a cohesive unit, aligned on shared goals. Leverage knowledge sharing across overlapping functions in differing domains as well as collaboration in shared domains to mature the team and its interdepartmental impact. 

Products: 
 

• Develop a deep understanding of MacLean Engineering's underground and surface mining product lines and their automation roadmap, including current capabilities and future opportunities for vehicle applications.
• Advance the design and implementation of next-generation vehicle automation applicationsintegratingwith our autonomous tramming stack to expand automation capability across multiple product lines.
• Lead the maturation of an existing vehicle automation application from prototype to market-ready release, ensuring robustness, safety, and scalability across both EV and diesel carrier platforms.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving capabilities. They will demonstrate organizational skills, discipline, an aptitude for proactive learning, and a positive attitude. Additionally, they should meet the following qualifications: 
 

• Minimum7years of experience with the job responsibilities and duties described above.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English;proficiencyin other languages, primarily Spanish and French,is anasset.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, computer science, or a related fieldis an asset.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) license or similar certification.
• Mobile vehicle telemetry and Mining experience are an asset

Closing: Inspired by over 50 years of pioneering excellence, MacLean Engineering continues to lead the way in underground mining equipment solutions. Rooted in our founder's unwavering commitment to safety, productivity, and enduring quality, we are driven by innovation and expansion. With facilities strategically located across Ontario in Collingwood, Owen Sound, Barrie, and Sudbury, and across the globe in Mexico, South Africa, and Australia, our dedicated workforce of skilled tradespeople collaborates in a safety-centric environment to deliver superior components and equipment to the underground mining, municipal, environmental, and industrial sectors. Join us at MacLean Engineering and be part of a legacy built on innovation, quality, and lasting impact 

We thank all applicants in advance for their application and interest in MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co Limited. However only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

To facilitate mentorship, team development, and hands-on exposure to our products and broader business operations, people managers are expected to maintain a strong in-office presence-this role is therefore an in-office position. 

MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co. Limited is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005). 

MacLean Engineering & Marketing Co. Limited will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.