Automation Manager

Kinetik; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinetik, located in the Permian Basin, seeks an Automation Manager to oversee automation and process control across gas processing facilities, field compression and pipelines. You will lead a team of automation specialists, drive system upgrades, and ensure safe, reliable plant performance.

The role requires 10+ years in automation, strong PLC/DCS/HMI expertise, and a proven ability to coordinate with operations and engineering.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• 10+ years of related experience in Automation.
• Excellent diagnostic and repair skills for complex automation problems.
• Proficient reading schematics and PLC programming.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight of automation activities to support safe, reliable operations.
• Leads Automation Specialists and coordinates with operations, engineering and projects.
• Oversees design, installation, programming and troubleshooting of DCS, PLCs, RTUs and HMIs.
• Ensures preventive maintenance to maximize uptime and reduce costs.
• Maintains documentation and change management records.

Skills

Automation management

PLC/DCS/RTU

HMI systems

Leadership

Cybersecurity awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Kinetik is strategically located in the heart of the Delaware Basin in the Permian, one of the fastest growing areas for oil and gas development in the world. We provide the gathering, compression, processing, transportation and water management services required to bring natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil to market and are dedicated to providing the best service and netback for our customers. We are driven to be best-in-class and committed to growing our existing assets in the Permian Basin through both greenfield and acquisition opportunities.

Kinetik employees have decades of experience in West Texas and provide all the important services our customers need to deliver gas and crude oil production to market, which include gathering, transportation, compression, processing and produced water management.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The Automation Manager oversees the integrity, reliability, and performance of automation and process control equipment associated with natural gas processing facilities, field compression, measurement, and pipeline operations. The Automation Manager plays a key role in the implementation, programming, and troubleshooting of control systems, and works closely with Operations, Engineering, and the Automation & OT team to ensure optimal system performance. This position is responsible for managing automation personnel, supporting strategic initiatives, and maintaining alignment with company standards and operating procedures.

• Provides overall oversight and coordination of automation activities to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations across gas plants, field compression, pipelines, and measurement systems
• Leads the daily efforts of Automation Specialists, ensuring alignment with operations, engineering, and project execution priorities
• Oversees the design, specification, installation, programming, and troubleshooting of automation and process control equipment, including DCS, PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems
• Ensures preventive maintenance and timely repair of automation systems to maximize uptime and reduce total operating costs
• Provides direction to Automation Specialists regarding technical problem-solving, project execution, and control system standardization
• Partners with operations and engineering teams to support capital project implementation, system upgrades, and controls integration
• Evaluates and implements improvements to control logic, instrumentation interfaces, and automation architectures to enhance performance and reliability
• Supports compliance with regulatory, cybersecurity, and internal control standards related to automation infrastructure
• Maintains documentation and change management records for control logic, automation equipment, and system configurations
• Monitors the performance and development of assigned personnel; completes performance reviews and provides coaching as needed
• Assess staffing needs and provides recommendations to the Director of Automation and OT on resource planning and future workforce requirements
• Participates in the development of automation-related budgets and supports cost control through effective planning and execution
• Responds to callouts and urgent issues as required; may assist hands-on in troubleshooting or support during critical outages
• Promotes safe work practices and ensures all automation activities are conducted in accordance with company policies and industry standards
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Automation and OT

Education And/or Work Experience Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• 10 + years of related experience in Automation or related field
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Excellent diagnostic and repair skills for complex problems in automation systems
• Excellent knowledge of automation host systems
• Skillful in reading electronic schematics, identifying components, and understanding their functions
• Able to read, program, install and troubleshoot complex PLC programs
• Good computer skills

Working Conditions

• Will work in both field and office environment
• Office environment involves prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Field environment may have adverse or extreme weather conditions. May involve walking and standing on rough terrain with uneven and slippery surfaces. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderate but may regularly require exposure to loud noises from machinery.
• Will be required to periodically drive to field locations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Ability to work effectively in all working conditions noted above.
• Will require lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 62 lbs. in a safe manner on an occasional basis.
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver's license to include a safe driving record satisfactory to the company.

Kinetik is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law.