Automation Control Specialist

WhiteWater; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer matched 401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Basic life and AD&D insurances

Vision Insurance

Life and AD&D Insurance

Job summary

A leading energy company based in Houston is seeking a qualified professional to provide operational support for natural gas and NGL pipelines. The successful candidate will troubleshoot and improve PLC systems, oversee automation installations, and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Applicants should have a technical degree and 5+ years of relevant experience. Benefits include 401(k) matching, medical and dental insurances, among others.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in program development or troubleshooting PLC systems.
• Expert level in programming and configuring automation technology.
• Ability to troubleshoot AC and DC circuits.
• Strong communication across cellular, satellite, Modbus, and SCADA networks.
• Valid driver's license and insurability.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair AC/DC circuits.
• Comply with drug and alcohol program.
• Expert level programming/configuring automation such as sensors, PID, data communications.
• Knowledge of pipeline business processes and equipment preferred.
• Able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergencies.
• Able to work in confined spaces, elevated platforms.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, install and troubleshoot pipeline control software.
• Design control systems and support automation installation.
• Comply with safety regulations and improve system reliability.
• Support installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of automation equipment.
• Supervise and inspect 3rd-party contract labor.
• Build and maintain vendor relationships with automation providers.
• Review bids, specs and approvals; manage from design to implementation.
• Ensure safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of technology.
• Stay current with automation best practices and industry regs; propose developments.
• Correct system hazards and analyze malfunctions to resolve inefficiencies.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Process control software

Communication protocols (Modbus, SCADA)

Team collaboration

Education

Technical Degree/Associates Degree in Instrumentation, Electronic Communications or Industrial Electronics

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC software platforms

Automation technology

Fisher ROC RTU

Modbus

Job description

Job Summary

This position will provide operational support, troubleshooting, process optimization, programming and Human Machine Interface (HMI) support on natural gas pipelines, NGL pipelines and associated compressor stations. This position will be based out of the Houston, TX office.

Position Functions

• Maintain, install and troubleshoot issues with process control software including pipeline equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and human machine interface (HMI) equipment.
• Improve long‑term PLC equipment reliability and support the implementation process of PLC automation technology strategies
• Design and participate in the construction of control systems throughout the pipeline
• Support the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all pipeline automation equipment
• Supervise and inspect 3rd‑party contract labor used to construct or improve automation systems
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships with various providers such as automation technology service providers and PLC control system providers
• Review bids, specifications and approval documentation for each project and manage the process from design through implementation
• Comply with safety, reliability, and cost effectiveness of technology used to meet business requirements
• Stay current with automation control best practices and interpreting industry regulations applicable to WhiteWater Midstream policies and standards, identify changes in codes and standards and propose new developments in automation
• Correct system hazards, analyze malfunctioning systems and identify safe, cost‑effective solutions to resolve inefficient operations

Requirements

• Technical Degree/Associates Degree in Instrumentation, Electronic Communications or Industrial Electronics, or equivalent
• At least 5 years of related experience in program development or troubleshooting all Allen Bradley PLC software platforms
• Familiar with AB CompactLogic, AB ControlLogic and Fisher ROC RTU.
• Must have communication experience with cellular, satellite, Modbus and SCADA.
• Must possess valid driver’s license and meet company insurability requirements
• Must have the ability to troubleshoot and repair AC and DC electrical circuits
• Maintain compliance with WWM’s drug and alcohol program
• Expert level understanding and demonstrated ability to program and/or configure automation technology such as: sensors, PID loop control, data communications, and other electrical machines, preferred
• Knowledge of Pipeline & Terminal business processes and equipment such as mainline motors and engines, pipeline flow measurement equipment, and tank level measurement equipment, preferred
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays and respond to call outs and emergencies
• Ability to work in changing climate conditions and capable of working in tight spaces, climbing to and working from elevated platforms, ladders, walkways, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with a team and take direction from supervisors, fluency in English is required

Benefits

Selected candidate is eligible for employer matched 401(k), medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D insurances and other benefit offerings.