Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation

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

Job summary

Plains is seeking an Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation to maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot, and develop Plains' controls and automation systems across our Operations Technical Services group.

The role includes significant field integration, collaboration with instrumentation and electrical techs, and working with SCADA, HMIs, and PLCs to support pipeline operations. A strong background in electrical theory, PLCs, and data communications is essential.

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

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.

Skills

Instrumentation PLC programming

Electrical theory

Comms hardware diagnostics

Electrical schematics & P&IDs

Ladder logic

TCP/IP networking

Communication skills

Adaptability

Project management

Driver license

Background checks

Drug/alcohol policy

Work authorization (US)

Education

Associate degree in engineering technology or electrical / technical certification

Tools

MS Office

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.

P lains currently has an opening for an 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‑starter who is willing to share knowledge and cross train with peers for support.

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

Employee Benefits

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.

About Plains

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 .

Equal Opportunity Employer

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