P&P Optica (PPO) is using brand new technology to transform an old industry that affects everyone on the planet: the food industry. We apply a complex and highly sophisticated mix of hardware, software and huge datasets to improve both the safety and quality of the food we eat.
PPO is on a mission to become the world's leading food information company. We are moving beyond simple detection to provide real-time, actionable insights that help food processors optimize yield, reduce waste, and ensure safety at a global scale.
We’re a truly diverse team in every sense of the word, and our team is incredibly smart. Our culture is respectful and caring. PPO is a well-funded, scaling company with opportunities for career growth in every part of the organization.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to tackle challenging problems that affect everyone on the planet, PPO is the place for you.
This role is an in-office role, where you’ll work from PPO’s office in Waterloo Ontario.
The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $130,000 CAD annually. The final offer will be determined based on a combination of factors, including:
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Relevant skills and experience: We assess each candidate's background, achievements, and demonstrated capabilities.
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Internal equity: We strive to maintain consistency and fairness across roles within our organization, aligning compensation with existing team members in comparable roles.
We are committed to transparency and fairness in our hiring process and welcome conversations about compensation throughout the recruitment process.
This posting is for a new vacancy within our hardware team.
The Systems Engineer is a highly collaborative, cross-functional role that serves as the bridge between Hardware, Software, Operations, and Production. You will be responsible for designing and maintaining the architecture of PPO's industrial systems, ensuring hardware and software components integrate seamlessly while supporting the long-term reliability, scalability, and maintainability of our products.
This role plays a key part in managing system lifecycles, maintaining version and revision consistency, automating engineering and operational workflows, and supporting data-driven decision-making across the organization. Working closely with technical teams, you will help shape the evolution of PPO's platform by identifying opportunities to improve system performance, embrace emerging technologies, and simplify complex processes through automation and AI.
In this role, your responsibilities and duties will include:
Systems Architecture & Integration:
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Collaborate with Hardware and Software Engineering teams to design, document, and maintain robust system architectures and interfaces.
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Ensure reliable integration between hardware, software, networking, and operational systems.
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Evaluate system performance and recommend architectural improvements that enhance scalability, maintainability, and reliability.
System Lifecycle & Configuration Management:
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Lead system version and revision management across manufacturing and deployed systems.
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Perform compatibility reviews and cross-checks to ensure hardware and software revisions remain synchronized.
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Develop and maintain processes that support effective configuration management throughout the product lifecycle.
Automation & Process Improvement:
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Develop and maintain automation tools, scripts, and workflows that improve engineering and operational efficiency.
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Support Engineering Change Management (ECM) processes, CAD design automation, and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
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Identify opportunities to reduce manual effort through automation while improving consistency and accuracy.
System Audits & Technical Governance:
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Conduct regular system audits to verify technical integrity and compliance with engineering standards.
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Maintain accurate technical documentation and ensure engineering records remain current following system changes.
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Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen system reliability and operational excellence.
Technical Support & Collaboration:
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Act as a Tier 3 technical resource for complex system issues, supporting field teams and internal stakeholders.
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Work collaboratively across Engineering, Operations, Product Management, and Production to resolve technical challenges and improve system performance.
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Assist in root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Technology Innovation & AI Adoption:
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Stay current with emerging technologies including AI, edge computing, industrial automation, and Industry 4.0 practices.
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Evaluate and recommend new technologies that improve product capability, engineering productivity, and operational efficiency.
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Leverage AI tools responsibly to accelerate engineering workflows, automate repetitive tasks, analyze system data, and improve technical documentation while maintaining engineering oversight and accountability.
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Champion the thoughtful adoption of AI technologies by identifying practical use cases and sharing best practices across teams.
Documentation & Knowledge Sharing:
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Ensure technical documentation, system diagrams, and engineering records remain accurate and up to date.
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Develop training materials and deliver knowledge-sharing sessions on new systems, tools, and processes.
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Promote consistent engineering practices and documentation standards across teams.
Quality & Continuous Improvement:
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Support PPO's Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure engineering activities align with established quality standards.
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Drive digitalization initiatives that improve operational workflows and engineering efficiency.
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Continuously identify opportunities to improve system performance, reliability, and customer value.
You are naturally curious, analytical, and energized by solving complex technical challenges. You enjoy understanding how systems work as a whole and thrive in environments where collaboration across multiple disciplines is essential. You balance strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving, communicate technical concepts clearly, and continuously look for ways to improve processes through automation, innovation, and thoughtful system design. You are excited by emerging technologies, including AI, and embrace opportunities to use them responsibly to improve engineering productivity while maintaining the highest standards of quality, security, and technical excellence.
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Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or another related technical discipline.
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Strong technical foundation across systems architecture, software development, networking, and IT infrastructure.
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Experience designing, integrating, and supporting complex hardware/software systems.
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Proficiency working in Linux environments and developing automation scripts.
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Strong understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, VLANs, DNS, and remote management tools.
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Experience developing and maintaining APIs and custom system integrations.
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Knowledge of Industry 4.0 principles, machine connectivity, and management of both real-time and historical operational data.
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Proven ability to manage complex technical projects while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
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Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
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Comfortable learning and using AI tools to improve engineering productivity, documentation, analysis, and workflow automation while exercising sound technical judgment and maintaining data confidentiality.
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Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 20%) to customer sites or partner facilities.
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Experience working with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SCADA platforms, ERP integrations, or other industrial automation technologies.
You’ll love working at PPO. Here’s why:
Open Culture: Our culture is built on openness and trust. We thrive together as a diverse team, celebrating what connects us and learning from what makes each of us unique.
Supportive Environment: We value collaboration and care, from celebrating birthdays and milestones to challenging one another to grow personally and professionally. Trust, honesty, and teamwork are at the heart of how we deliver value.
Work-life Balance: We move with urgency when it matters most, but we also know that life outside of work matters too. We make sure you have the time and flexibility you need with flex days and vacation time that help you recharge and show up as your best self.
Health Benefits: PPO offers very competitive benefits, including health, dental, vision and more for you and your dependents.
Hybrid Work Model: Depending on your role, you might work from home, our office or both.
Ongoing Learning: Curiosity is one of our superpowers. Learning is woven into everything we do, from hands-on collaboration to formal training and education. We lead with curiosity and imagine without limits, encouraging every team member to keep growing.
P&P Optica is committed to supporting a culture of diversity across our organization. Our hiring practices align with human rights laws, guaranteeing every person equal treatment in regard to employment and opportunity for employment, regardless of race, color, creed/religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
