Automation Engineer / Specialist

Kinder Morgan, Inc.; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Travel 20%–50%

Job summary

Kinder Morgan, Inc. is seeking an Automation Engineer/Specialist to plan, design, implement, and support monitoring and control systems across liquids pipelines and processing facilities.

The role emphasizes AB PLC systems programming (PLC-5, SLC-500, MicroLogix, ControlLogix) and PC-based HMI development. The engineer will work in a hybrid setting, with office days and remote work; travel to sites and coordination with operations are expected.

Qualifications

• :

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and maintain PLC based automation systems.
• Design, develop, test and maintain PC based HMI systems.
• Design and implement automation system networks and hardware.
• Read, interpret drawings and review packages.
• Interface with project managers and operations personnel.
• Provide technical expertise in electrical/instrument/automation standards.
• Specify and procure instrumentation and controls equipment.
• Provide on-site services, commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Develop bid documents and manage contractor selection.
• Control capital project scope, schedule, costs, risk, and QA for projects.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for software/hardware.
• Complete tasks in compliance with codes and standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation design

Project management

Strong communication

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5 / SLC-500 / Micrologix / Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View ME

RSView32

Prosoft gateways

DH+ networks troubleshooting

Job description

What We Are Looking For

Kinder Morgan is seeking an Automation Engineer/Specialist to plan, design, implement and support monitoring and control systems utilized in the operation of liquids pipelines, measurement facilities, pump stations, tank farms, transfer facilities and a condensate processing facility.

The Engineer/Specialist must have extensive, proven experience in successfully designing and programming Allen Bradley PLC systems, including PLC-5, SLC 500, MicroLogix and ControlLogix platforms.

This position reports to the Manager in Houston, TX but is not limited to the Houston office and will be located in an established Kinder Morgan office location in Doraville, GA, Birmingham, AL, or Houston, TX. This position has the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule, with work conducted in the office Monday through Wednesday and work from home Thursday and Friday.

Position may be filled at various levels depending upon experience and job skills of the successful candidate.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, test and maintain PLC based automation systems.
• Design, develop, test and maintain PC based HMI systems.
• Design and implement automation system networks, including specifying and configuring communications protocols, communications media and associated hardware.
• Read and interpret electrical, control and instrumentation drawings and provide reviews of design/construction drawing packages.
• Interface with engineering project managers and operations personnel to integrate facilities and design changes with the local control center.
• Provide technical expertise in mechanical, instrument, electrical, and/or automation specifications and standards as required.
• Specify and procure instrumentation and controls related equipment used in automation systems.
• Provide on-site services, including oversight of system installation, leading commissioning efforts and supplying troubleshooting support as required.
• Develop contractor bid documents, conduct bid process, select contractor and manage contractor throughout automation capital projects.
• Develop and control capital projects. Specifically, develop and control project scope, schedule, projected costs and budgeting, risk management, and quality assurance programs as required to manage capital projects ranging from $20,000 to over $2,000,000.
• Provide engineering 24/7 on-call support to Operations and Technical Support Personnel for all related software and hardware, including end devices.
• Accountable for completing tasks with quality, in compliance with applicable codes and standards, and on schedule.
• This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Education

What You Need

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or engineering technology from an accredited university, Electrical Engineering preferred. A minimum of 5 years commensurate experience with emphasis in industrial automation system design, programming, maintenance, and technical analysis as described, may be acceptable in lieu of engineering degree.

• Minimum of 5 years of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Systems Integration or related/applicable experience. Experience should be heavily weighted towards programming, commissioning and maintaining complex industrial control systems.

• Must have working experience/knowledge of the following systems, software and hardware:

  • Allen Bradley PLC-5 (RSLogix 5), SLC-500 and Micrologix PLCs (RSLogix 500), and ControlLogix systems (RSLogix/Studio 5000).
  • FactoryTalk View ME and legacy RSView32
  • Prosoft gateways for protocol conversion for AB PLCs, and other brands of protocol converters such as Moxa and Redlion.
  • Troubleshooting and supporting DH+ networks.

• Experience converting legacy hardware to newer technology is a plus.

• Experience with project management, leading projects, coordinating with other disciplines and scheduling.

• Experience with refinery and splitting processes is a plus.

Competencies, Skills, Abilities

• Experience in designing and implementing communications networks, utilizing a variety of communication protocols, including but not limited to TCP/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and Serial Modbus.
• Knowledge and understanding of hydraulics for liquid pipelines.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply codes and standards such as UL508A, NEC (NFPA 70), API 500, and API 1165
• Able to interpret NEC code for control panels to meet NEC specifications and/or company standards during design and FAT and/or field installation.
• Knowledge of physical media used in communications, including but not limited to copper cabling, fiber optic cabling and radio transmission.
• Design and construction knowledge of electrical hazardous area applications (Class 1, Div. 1 and 2).
• Ability to learn additional and/or new programming languages and skills as needed, such as VFDs software, line monitoring system, power quality meters.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings and diagrams, electrical schematics, piping and instrument drawings (P&IDs), flow charts and cause and effect diagrams.
• Previous Field /Startup Engineering, Design Engineering, and/or Operations experience desired.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimal guidance or supervision. Self-starter and highly motivated.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with both company and non-company personnel to accomplish goals.
• PC-based skills, including MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Power Point and Project).
• Proficiency in basic engineering skills and possession of well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex technical matters.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, especially for obsolete control systems
• Must maintain a high degree of attention to detail while managing multiple assignments with various deadlines and responsibility levels.

Working Conditions

• This position has the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule, with work conducted in the office Monday through Wednesday and work from home Thursday and Friday.
• Required to carry a company-provided cell phone and be available to respond during working hours and during non-working hours
• Travel (20% - 50%) to site to provide local support as needed. Weekend travel is occasionally required.
• Must be aware of company and government safety regulations and maintain a high regard for the safety of company employees and assets, and the general public.
• Excellent knowledge of the safety profession and ability to identify, select, and implement alternative courses of action.
• Be able to work outside in extreme temperatures.
• Be able to climb stairs, ladders, walk over difficult terrain and stand for long periods of time.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and complete a background check after an offer has been extended and prior to employment.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.