Automation Specialist

Occidental Petroleum Corporation; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental Petroleum Corporation in Big Spring, TX seeks an Automation Specialist for the Permian ORCM Team to install, program, calibrate, and maintain automation equipment for gas plants.

Role focuses on improving uptime, reducing operating costs, and providing troubleshooting support across DCS/PLC systems. Requires 2-year technical degree and 5+ years in oil & gas automation. On-site position with strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree or equivalent working experience.
• Expert knowledge of oil and gas automation systems.
• Competent knowledge of oil and gas process facilities.
• 5+ years of Oil and Gas experience.
• 2+ years of Oil and Gas Automation experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance activities at a local level.
• Directly manage maintenance vendors and support services.
• Represent the Automation team in plant maintenance‑related correspondence.
• Perform corrective and predictive maintenance on all automation equipment.
• Provide Plant DCS and PLC troubleshooting support.
• Mentor and Train junior Automation Technicians on PLC/HMI testing.
• Respond and provide automation support during outages.

Skills

Automation systems

PLC

HMI

DCS

Electrical design

Troubleshooting

Education

2‑year technical degree or equivalent

Job description

Oxy produces, markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. The company leverages its global leadership in carbon management to advance lower‑carbon technologies and products. Headquartered in Houston, Oxy primarily operates in the United States, Middle East and North Africa. To learn more, visit Oxy Oxy strives to attract and retain talented employees by investing in their professional development and providing rewarding opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to meet the highest employer standards by ensuring the health and safety of our employees, protecting the environment and positively impacting our communities where we do business.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to fill the position of Automation Specialist for our Permian ORCM Team. This position will be located in Big Spring, TX.

The Automation Specialist will be responsible for installation, programming, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automation equipment in order to improve gas plant operation/uptime and reduce total operating costs.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Perform Maintenance activities at a local level.
• Directly manage Maintenance vendors and support services.
• Represent the Automation team in plant maintenance‑related correspondence.
• Understand the plant process, equipment and design that best support the Plant team.
• Perform both corrective and predictive maintenance on all automation equipment.
• Accountable for Maintenance cost tracking and reporting
• Provide accurate quotes for automation and maintenance projects.
• Ensure all PM documentation is accurate and complete for all automation equipment and stored in a central location.
• Perform operational and maintenance support of analyzers in the plant (GC’s, CEMS, Dewpoint, O2)
• Communicate all Maintenance activities with Plant Planner and Scheduler Team.
• Mentor and Train junior Automation Technicians on process flow and PLC, HMI, and end device troubleshooting.
• Respond and provide automation support during all outages.
• Work off of assigned schedule and maintain no out of compliance work orders.
• Provide Plant DCS and PLC troubleshooting support.
• Provide analytical support on plant problems.
• Provide input on new technologies.
• Ensure plants are maintained in an orderly manner to included proper management of PLC programs, PLC panel wiring and cleanliness of automation equipment.

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree or equivalent working experience
• Expert knowledge of oil and gas automation systems
• Competent knowledge of oil and gas process facilities
• 5+ years of Oil and Gas experience
• 2 + years of Oil and Gas Automation experience

Skills & Competencies

• Expert level understanding of automation and electrical design principles.
• Understanding of PSSRs and MOCs.
• Extensive expertise in EOR safe work systems.
• Extensive expertise of Electrical / Automation construction codes and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of material specifications and application
• Understanding of regulatory guidelines
• Strong Leadership and Mentoring skills
• Ability to perform under pressure
• Ability to work with a team and communicate with other crafts.
• Advanced computer skills (MS Office Suite, Oxy proprietary software, etc).
• Be knowledgeable with tagging conventions, programing simulation and testing
• Demonstrate ability to perform strong time management skills
• Strong written, oral and project management skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of DCS and PLC.
• Understanding of digital and analog I/O, programming, and troubleshooting.

Relocation:

This position is not eligible for relocation. Occidental does not offer sponsorship of employment‑based nonimmigrant visa petitions for this role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Oxy has bold ambitions to achieve net zero and help others do the same. To get there, we’ll need great minds ready to unleash big ideas, strong leaders ready to inspire and team players ready to make it happen.

Does this sound like you? Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.

Oxy produces energy and essential products to sustain and improve life on our planet. Our experienced teams, located in the United States, Middle East and Africa, are committed to safe and efficient operations and products, and to reducing our carbon footprint and helping others do the same.

We are busy developing the big ideas and broad solutions we will need to achieve net zero. Every day, we get closer. And we won’t stop until we’re there.