Automation Specialist II

Airswift; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift is seeking an Automation Specialist II for a 3-month contract in Carlsbad, NM, supporting onshore production automation systems. The role focuses on PLC programming, HMI development, instrumentation diagnostics, and commissioning across field facilities.

The ideal candidate has an Associate degree (or GED with equivalent experience) and at least 3 years in oil & gas operations, with strong hands-on experience in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Instrumentation, Automation, or a related field, or GED with equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of experience as an Automation Specialist.
• At least 3 years of experience in oil and gas operations.
• Experience supporting automation systems across well pads, batteries, SWD sites, and compressor stations.
• Experience with troubleshooting, maintenance, commissioning, and optimisation of onshore production automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Support onshore production automation systems across multiple field facilities.
• Develop PLC programming and HMI screens to support operations.
• Diagnose instrumentation issues and perform commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimise automation systems across field sites.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, loop sheets, and control narratives.
• Coordinate with maintenance and planning using CMMS tools.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

HMI alarm design

RTU/PLC troubleshooting

Instrumentation calibration

P&ID literacy

Ethernet/IP / Modbus

Field operations travel

Education

Associate degree in Instrumentation/Automation

Tools

SAP CMMS

CMMS tools

Job description

Job Title: Automation Specialist II

Duration: 3 months (contract gets extended after 3 months)

Schedule: 9/80

Location: Carlsbad, NM

This opportunity is with a major international oil and gas exploration and production company with a strong focus on advanced technology, operational performance, and large-scale field operations. This position plays a key role in supporting onshore production automation systems, with responsibility for PLC programming, HMI development, instrumentation diagnostics, and commissioning across field facilities. The role offers the chance to work on critical control systems in a technically demanding environment where Allen-Bradley, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View, and industrial instrumentation expertise are highly valued.

Required Education:

• Associate degree in Instrumentation, Automation, or a related field, or GED with equivalent experience

Required Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience as an Automation Specialist
• At least 3 years of experience in oil and gas operations
• Experience supporting automation systems across well pads, batteries, SWD sites, and compressor stations
• Experience with troubleshooting, maintenance, commissioning, and optimisation of onshore production automation systems

Required Skills:

• Strong hands-on expertise with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms including ControlLogix and CompactLogix
• Proficiency in Studio 5000 including Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text
• Experience designing and maintaining FactoryTalk View HMI screens and alarm systems
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and field automation systems independently
• Instrumentation calibration and maintenance experience for level, pressure, flow, and vibration devices
• Knowledge of analog and discrete I/O, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus communications
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, loop sheets, cause and effect matrices, and control narratives
• Experience using SAP or other CMMS tools for work planning, documentation, and maintenance tracking
• Understanding of management of change procedures and corporate programming standards
• Ability to work safely around energized systems and in confined spaces
• Ability to travel to remote field locations
• Capability to operate aerial lifts and work under supplied air when required

About Airswift:

Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the energy, process and infrastructure industries. Airswift serves as a strategic partner to clients, offering a turnkey workforce solution to capture and deliver the top talent needed to complete successful projects by aligning with unique project needs. With over 1000 employees and 9,000 contractors operating in over 60 countries, Airswift's geographical reach and pool of talent available is unmatched in the industry.