Automation Specialist II

NES Fircroft; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking an Automation Specialist to support the Automation Construction and Commissioning Team in the Kermit Main Field Office. You will commission automation systems and safely bring oil and gas facilities online, collaborating with Production Operations, Facilities Engineering, Automation Engineering, and Automation Maintenance.

You will design, test, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, and instrumentation while ensuring compliance with engineered designs and company standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in oil and gas automation, instrumentation, or controls.
• Strong knowledge of facility process equipment and automation system design.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, EFMs, and POCs.
• Understanding of digital/analog I/O, loop commissioning, and startup.

Responsibilities

• Commission automation systems for new/modified facilities per engineered docs and standards.
• Validate designs, installation, and system configuration during construction and commissioning.
• Program, configure, test, calibrate, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, EFMs, and related instrumentation.
• Perform loop checks, functional testing, and startup activities to bring facilities online.
• Interpret P&IDs, PFDs, Instrument Indexes, and control diagrams; submit redlines for as-built revision control.
• Enforce MOC and participate in PSSR processes.
• Coordinate as Field Automation Representative with Facilities and Automation Engineering.

Skills

Oil & gas automation

Instrumentation

Troubleshooting

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical / Instrumentation Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Totalflow

ROCs

Coriolis

P&ID software

HART Communicator

Fluke 789

Job description

Position Summary

Seeking a qualified Automation Specialist to support the Automation Construction and Commissioning Team based in the Kermit Main Field Office. This role is responsible for commissioning automation systems and safely bringing oil and gas production facilities online into sales. The Automation Specialist will work closely with Production Operations, Facilities Engineering, Automation Engineering, and Automation Maintenance to ensure projects are executed in accordance with engineered designs, company standards, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Commission automation systems for new and modified facilities following engineered documentation and Oxy automation standards
• Validate automation designs, equipment installation, and system configuration during construction and commissioning
• Program, configure, test, calibrate, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, EFMs, and related instrumentation
• Perform loop checks, functional testing, and startup activities to safely bring facilities online
• Interpret and redline P&IDs, PFDs, Instrument Indexes, Cause and Effect diagrams, wiring diagrams, and control documentation
• Ensure all automation documentation is accurate and complete, with redlines submitted for As-Built revision control
• Enforce Management of Change (MOC) processes and participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR)
• Serve as the Field Automation Representative coordinating with Facilities and Automation Engineering on design improvements and standardization
• Provide technical support and training to field personnel using local HMIs and remote access
• Troubleshoot process control, instrumentation, and control network issues in field environments
• Maintain strict compliance with all Oxy safety, environmental, and operational requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of oil and gas automation, instrumentation, or controls experience
• Strong knowledge of oil and gas facility process equipment and automation system design
• Advanced experience with PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, EFMs, and POCs (Allen-Bradley, Totalflow, ROC, Coriolis, etc.)
• Strong understanding of digital and analog I/O, loop commissioning, and facility startup
• Experience troubleshooting and calibrating temperature, pressure, level, and flow instrumentation
• Working knowledge of pneumatic instrumentation calibration and maintenance
• Experience with MOC and PSSR processes; design reviews and PHA/PHR experience preferred
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Knowledge of automation host systems and industrial control networks
• Proficient with test equipment such as Fluke 789, HART Communicator, and radio communications software
• Proficient with AC and DC electrical circuits
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• Must maintain required safety certifications and tra

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturingsectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.