Automation Technician/PLC Programmer (Midland or Odessa, TX)

RiseMe; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 93,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Profit sharing

Life insurance

Annual bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

ONEOK, a Fortune 500 midstream energy leader, seeks an Automation Technician/PLC specialist to maintain and optimize BPCS, SIS, DCS, and PLC systems across plants and pipelines. You’ll work with asset stakeholders and operations teams to ensure safe, reliable process control.

The role emphasizes programming, troubleshooting, system lifecycle assessments, and collaboration with engineers, maintenance techs, and operators.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or Certification in Process and Instrumentation controls.
• Experience with process control software and hardware.
• 5+ years in PLC/DCS maintenance and programming.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot BPCS, SIS, DCS, and PLC platforms.
• Respond to after-hours DCS/PLC issues and emergencies.
• Develop and review controls narratives and standard work processes site-wide.
• Liaise with project teams and system vendors for implementation and migrations.

Skills

PLC programming

DCS/PLC systems

Instrumentation controls

Troubleshooting hardware

Project coordination

Education

Technical degree

Controls certification

Tools

Allen Bradley

Modicon

DeltaV

ClearSCADA

HMI software

Job description

#WeAreONEOK – Fortune 500 company. 100+ years in business. Leading midstream service provider. Safety first. Sustainable operations. Environmentally responsible. Employee focused.

JOB SUMMARY

Looking for more than just a job? At ONEOK, you’ll find work that matters, long-term stability, competitive rewards, and a safety-first team that has your back. We work hard, build strong relationships, and do the job right guided by innovation, inclusion and diversity, ethics, and excellence.

Your ideas have a place here—step into a role where your work directly drives solutions in a fast-evolving energy industry. At ONEOK, you’ll contribute to delivering energy products and services that power progress while gaining hands‑on Automation Technician/PLC programming experience. Direct responsibility for working with asset stake holders; Managers, Process Supervisors, Engineering, Instrumentation Technicians and Control Room operations to optimize plant and pipeline efficiency through the maintenance, development, and effective modification of process control systems; Basic Process Control System (BPCS), Safety Instrumented System (SIS), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and Advanced Process Controls (APC).

ONEOK offers a highly competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive health benefits, a 6% 401(k) match plus 4 additional company contributions through the company’s profit sharing, $100,000 in life insurance, annual bonuses for all employees, and a minimum of three weeks of paid time off that recognizes your industry experience. Join a Fortune 500 company where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your impact matters.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Daily maintenance and troubleshooting of BPCS, SIS, DCS, and PLC platforms (Allen Bradley, Modicon, Delta V, Clear SCADA, etc.)
  • Including hardware diagnostic monitoring (responding and clearing of faults, battery issues, etc.)
  • Software maintenance, including repairs and upgrades
  • Routine PM’s of DCS/PLC systems (inspection of climate controls, filter maintenance, monitoring of scan times, etc)
• Responding to after-hours calls of DCS/DCS/PLC system issues and emergencies
  • Main point of call for issues concerning DCS/PLC systems
• Program maintenance and archiving to ensure that the latest programs are always available
  • Appropriate backup systems/procedures are documented and followed
• Development of best practice procedures and documentation surrounding DCS/PLC systems to ensure standard work processes site wide
• Develop and review controls narratives to ensure DCS/PLC systems meet operations, safety, and compliance expectations
• Lifecycle maintenance of existing DCS/PLC systems
  • Assists I/E Engineer in developing lifecycle assessments of the system based on vendor recommendation and general system health
  • Monitors health of systems to ensure that projects for the systems are scheduled and planned appropriately
  • Assists with project lead duties on DCS/PLC projects.
• Liaison for all project needs:
  • First point of contact for projects requiring additional logic or I/O additions
  • Subject matter expert on DCS/PLC programs and assists in implementation of new control schemes and migration plans to ensure proper operations of the facilities
  • Proficient in switch and router installation, programming and troubleshooting techniques
• Programming of necessary DCS/PLC logic additions for projects
  • To exclude vendor skid programming (this typically is supported by the vendor)
• Liaison with 3rd party integrators and system vendors to implement work on the system
• Responding to operations request for assistance with control issues, graphics modifications, and general control improvement recommendations
• Assist in development of programming standards and best practices
• Work closely with operators, process engineers and maintenance techs to ensure smooth, efficient operation of the plants and other facilities
• Responsibilities may include Department of Transportation (DOT) covered functions, including operations, maintenance, or emergency response on a pipeline. Job duties also require the employee to be alert and respond immediately to dangerous or hazardous conditions, and where impaired performance, or failure to follow safety precautions, could result in serious injury or property damage.

Education

• None required.
• Completion of a Technical degree or Certification Program in Process and Instrumentation controls, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Work Experience

• 3 - 5 years related work experience industrial programming experience or strong electrical and instrumentation skills with a developed skill for programming:
• Experience modifying, maintaining and installing process control computer system applications, specifically, BPCS, SIS, DCS/PLC and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) system software and hardware
• Experience on Allen Bradley, Modicon, Delta V, Clear SCADA, or Honeywell systems with documented training courses
• Training and experience relative to:
  • Process control system operations and file structures
  • Designing, coding and networking process control programs
  • Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
  • Database management
• Experience reading and interpreting repair orders, mechanical drawings, P&ID’s, procedures, charts, diagrams, dials, gauges, and equipment manuals
• Experience and training related to:
  • Gas processing fundamentals
  • Computers and related software
  • Governmental rules, regulations, and (electric) codes
  • Safe handling practices for flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems
  • Design and safeguarding safety systems
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, computer printouts, system requirements and programs, contracts, manuals, policies and procedures
• Experience preparing and composing file, record, and screen layouts, reports, project proposals, training outlines, manuals, procedures and correspondence
• Experience developing presentations
• 5 years experience in PLC and DCS system maintenance, experience in troubleshooting and maintaining online process control systems preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of: office and computer equipment applicable to position
• Knowledge of: proficiency with loop tuning and advanced control optimization strategies
• Ability to: apply math, algebra and statistical formulas
• Ability to: communicate and/or exchange information or instructions; conduct oral presentations and/or meetings
• Skills in: interpersonal, presentation, verbal and written communication, with the ability to interact and advise effectively with internal and external business partners at all levels

Licenses and Certifications

• Certification Program in Process and Instrumentation Controls preferred

Strength Factor Description - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about (Occasionally)
• Walking: Moving about on foot (Frequently)
• Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Constantly)
• Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) (Occasionally)
• Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder (Occasionally)
• Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (Occasionally)
• Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking) (Occasionally)
• Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (Occasionally)
• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling (Occasionally)
• Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist (Occasionally)
• Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees (Occasionally)
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine (Occasionally)
• Crawling: Moving about on the hands and arms in any direction (Occasionally)
• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction (Constantly)
• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands (Manual Dexterity) (Constantly)
• Fingering: Picking, pinching or otherwise working with the fingers primarily (Finger Dexterity) (Constantly)
• Feeling: Perceiving such attributes of objects/materials as size, shape, temperature, texture, movement or pulsation by receptors in the skin, particularly those of the finger tips (Constantly)
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas/information by means of the spoken word (Frequently)
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sound by the ear (Frequently)
• Tasting/Smelling: (Occasionally)
• Near Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less (Constantly)
• Far Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 feet for more (Frequently)
• Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are (Frequently)
• Vision: Color - The ability to identify and distinguish colors (Constantly)

Working Conditions/Environment

• Employee is subject to inside environmental conditions

Working Conditions

• Well lighted, climate controlled areas (Constantly)
• Frequent repetitive motion (Constantly)
• CRT (Computer Monitor(s)) (Constantly)

Travel

• Some travel required

Driving

• Based on assigned tasks, employee may be assigned a company vehicle requiring the applicable driver's license

ONEOK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, disability, military/veteran status, genetic information or any other categories protected by applicable law.

The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of ONEOK.

ONEOK is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation email [e-mail] or call 1-855-663-6547.

Expected Salary Range

$93,000.00 - $139,000.00