Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation

Plains; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier benefits

Job summary

Plains is seeking an Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation in Midland, TX to support our Operations Technical Services group. The role involves maintaining and diagnosing Plains' controls and automation systems, with significant field integration and cross-training opportunities.

You will work on HMIs, PLCs, and SCADA connections, collaborating with engineers and technicians to ensure pipeline operations run safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering technology or equivalent certification.
• 3 years of experience in instrumentation and PLC programming.
• Thorough understanding of data communications interfaces and protocols, TCP/IP.

Responsibilities

• Program, update, and modify HMIs and PLCs as required.
• Coordinate with instrumentation and electrical techs to install, configure, and maintain PLCs and SCADA equipment.
• Configure enterprise routers, switches, and firewalls; establish SCADA interface through communications links.
• Maintain and document software/hardware changes and diagnostics for SCADA systems.

Skills

Instrumentation

PLC programming

TCP/IP networks

SCADA

Education

Associate degree in engineering technology

Tools

SCADA systems

PLC hardware

Job description

Job Type

Regular

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Plains currently has an opening for a Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation, in our Operations Technical Services group. Reporting to the Supervisor, Automation & Integration, the successful candidate will maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot, and develop Plains' controls and automation systems. This is a corporate role with a significant field integration requirement. Our ideal candidate is a technically qualified and motivated self‑stater who is willing to share knowledge and cross train with peers for support.

Plains provides a top tier group benefit plan for employees and their eligible dependents, and new employees are eligible to participate on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

• Program, update, and modify human machine interfaces (HMIs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as required and prescribed.
• Coordinate with instrumentation and electrical techs to install, configure, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain programmable control processors and SCADA communication equipment.
• Configure enterprise level routers, switches, and firewalls (Cisco, SonicWall, etc.).
• Establish SCADA interface through radios, satellite, and leased lines.
• Communicate problems and undertake or coordinate necessary repairs and maintenance.
• Document and describe common and vendor-supplied software required to perform diagnostics and programming.
• Investigate the feasibility of alternate design approaches and analyze data exchange protocols.
• Identify the impact of program changes on existing software and processes; recommend changes to management/supervision on equipment that controls pipeline operations.
• Work with other industry specialists to determine the most suitable applications and programming technologies.
• Maintain and track changes to existing software and hardware pertaining to SCADA systems.
• Perform and document authorized changes while maintaining system integrity.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering technology or electrical / technical certification.
• 3 years’ experience in instrumentation and PLC programming.
• Knowledge of electrical theory and operation as well as motor relay equipment.
• Experience diagnosing communications hardware including radio equipment, satellite, and leased circuits.
• Able to reconfigure existing PLCs and work toward programming new installs.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of data communications interfaces and protocols, with thorough understanding of TCP/IP networks.
• Able to articulate Control Center needs associated with aspects of data acquisition in pipeline operations.
• Able to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Thorough understanding of electronic controls and PLC/SCADA program development.
• Proficient in AC/DC theory with a complete understanding of total electrical wiring including all inputs and outputs to field devices.
• Competent in basic ladder logic and function block diagram programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Office tools (Word / Excel and Outlook).
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal.
• Able to adapt to a change in work priorities and manage multiple projects with short turnaround times.
• Valid US drivers' license with a clean abstract.
• Cleared criminal history (background) and satisfactory reference checks.
• Compliance with the Company’s drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment screening.
• This position is not eligible for employment‑based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment

At Plains, our employees are our most valuable asset. Hard work is rewarded with competitive compensation and a top‑tier benefits program designed to keep our employees safe, healthy and happy. We work hard to deliver the best results to our stakeholders, and we also respect our employees' need for personal and family time, which is reflected in our benefits program.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting [e-mail].

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains' compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process.