Automation Technician (I&E)

Empire Petroleum Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire Petroleum Corporation is seeking an experienced Automation Technician with strong Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) expertise to support installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automation systems across field operations.

This role collaborates with the IT team to ensure reliable networking, cybersecurity, and system integration between field automation and corporate platforms.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of automation, instrumentation, and electrical experience.
• Experience with PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens or similar).
• Experience with SCADA, telemetry, and comms.
• Read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics.
• Oil & gas, midstream, or industrial ops preferred.
• Willingness to travel and valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automation systems (PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, SCADA).
• Diagnose communications issues between field devices and control systems.
• Monitor performance; implement efficiency and downtime improvements.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation and sensors.
• Read one-lines, P&IDs, and control schematics.
• Support IT integration, cybersecurity, and remote connectivity.
• Assist with field upgrades, new installations, and optimization.
• Ensure safety policies and regulations compliance.

Skills

PLC

SCADA systems

Instrumentation calibration

Electrical troubleshooting

Industrial networking

P&IDs reading

Travel willingness

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

SCADA software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Automation Technician with strong Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) expertise to support the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automation systems across field operations. This role will play a key part in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and safety of production equipment, control systems, and electrical infrastructure.

This position will work hand-in-hand with the IT team to support network connectivity, communications infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives, and system integration between field automation and corporate technology platforms. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, instrumentation calibration, and electrical troubleshooting in oil & gas or industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Systems Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automation systems including PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Diagnose and resolve communication issues between field devices and control systems.
• Monitor system performance and implement improvements to optimize efficiency and reduce downtime.

Instrumentation & Controls

• Install, calibrate, test, and maintain instrumentation including pressure, temperature, level, and flow transmitters.
• Troubleshoot and repair control valves, sensors, analyzers, and associated equipment.
• Perform loop checks, instrument commissioning, and startup support for new facilities.

Electrical Systems

• Troubleshoot and maintain low- and medium-voltage electrical systems.
• Install and maintain motors, VFDs, panels, and electrical distribution systems.
• Read and interpret electrical one-lines, P&IDs, and control schematics.

IT & Systems Integration

• Work closely with the IT team to maintain communication networks supporting field automation systems.
• Assist in configuring and troubleshooting remote connectivity, cellular communications, radios, and VPN connections.
• Support cybersecurity best practices for automation systems and field devices.
• Coordinate integration of field systems into company-wide software, monitoring, and reporting platforms.

Field Operations Support

• Support production teams with automation and I&E issues to minimize operational disruptions.
• Assist with facility upgrades, new installations, and optimization projects.
• Ensure all work complies with company safety policies and industry regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Strong experience with PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
• Experience with SCADA systems, telemetry, and communications systems.
• Knowledge of instrumentation calibration and process controls.
• Familiarity with industrial networking, communications, and remote monitoring systems.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and ladder logic.
• Experience in oil & gas, midstream, or industrial operations preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field locations as needed.