Controls Engineer - ROAD WARRIOR

Actalent; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Specialist II for Oil & Gas pipeline operations with up to 90% travel across the United States. The role focuses on designing, programming, integrating, and maintaining industrial control systems for pipeline transportation and compression facilities.

The position involves extensive field work, commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and collaboration with operations and project teams to ensure safe and reliable energy infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical/Automation or related field or an equivalent technical credential.
• 4+ years in industrial automation and controls.
• Experience designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems for pipeline and compressor operations.
• Develop PLC programs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text.
• Configure and troubleshoot HMI applications for field and control room use.
• Create control narratives, BOMs, and detailed system documentation.
• Design networks using Ethernet/IP and connect PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
• Lead field commissioning and startup activities at facilities.
• Perform FAT/SAT, loop checks, and functional testing to validate performance.
• Support SCADA integration and data communication between facilities.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to meet schedule and scope.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Field troubleshooting

Travel readiness

Electrical engineering background

Education

Engineering degree (EE/Automation)

Associate degree in technical field

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Job description

Job Title: Automation Specialist II Oil & Gas Pipeline Operations (Travel Position up to 90% throughout the US)

Job Description

The Automation Specialist II/controls specialist supports automation, controls, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities across Oil & Gas pipeline and compression facilities nationwide. This hands‑on field role focuses on designing, programming, integrating, and maintaining industrial control systems that support pipeline transportation and compression operations. The position involves extensive travel to remote and operating facilities across the United States, working both independently and collaboratively to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical energy infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement industrial control systems that support pipeline and compressor station operations.
• Develop PLC programs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text for industrial applications.
• Configure, test, and troubleshoot Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications for field and control room operations.
• Create and maintain control narratives, I/O lists, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed control system documentation.
• Design communication networks utilizing Ethernet/IP and other industrial networking protocols to connect PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
• Perform system integration between PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, drives, analyzers, and other field devices.
• Support SCADA system integration and data communication between pipeline and compression facilities.
• Lead field commissioning and startup activities at operating pipeline and compressor station facilities.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), loop checks, and functional testing to validate control system performance.
• Develop test procedures and simulation logic to confirm proper operation of automation and control systems.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, instrumentation, and communication issues during startup and commissioning.
• Verify that control systems meet design specifications, operational requirements, and safety standards.
• Respond to service calls and emergency outages to restore control system functionality and minimize downtime.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, instrumentation, networking, and controls failures in the field.
• Support planned shutdowns, turnarounds, maintenance projects, and facility upgrades related to automation and controls.
• Work directly with operations and maintenance personnel to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Coordinate with construction and installation teams during project execution to ensure proper implementation of control systems.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field personnel to successfully execute projects on schedule and within scope.
• Participate in customer meetings to define project requirements, operating objectives, and technical expectations.
• Provide technical training and guidance for operations and maintenance teams on control systems and automation equipment.
• Mentor junior automation and controls personnel to develop their technical skills and field competence.
• Support proposal development and technical scope reviews by contributing automation and controls expertise.
• Consistently apply industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout, hazardous energy control, and permit‑to‑work systems, during all field activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 4+ years of industrial automation and controls experience.
• Minimum 4+ years of PLC programming experience in industrial environments.
• Experience supporting Oil & Gas, pipeline, compressor stations, midstream, power generation, chemical processing, or other industrial facilities.
• Proven experience commissioning and troubleshooting industrial control systems in the field.
• Experience supporting startup and commissioning activities for automation and control systems.
• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline; or an Associate Degree in a technical field with relevant experience; or equivalent industrial automation experience in lieu of formal education.
• Strong proficiency with Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
• Hands‑on experience using Studio 5000 and RSLogix for PLC programming and configuration.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field‑based and involves extensive travel to active Oil & Gas pipeline and compressor station environments across the United States. The position typically requires working 5060 hours per week and supporting long‑term project assignments at various facilities. Work is frequently performed outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, humidity, and remote locations. Employees regularly access elevated platforms and stairs and navigate uneven terrain while working around natural gas compression equipment, rotating machinery, high‑pressure pipelines, electrical systems, noise, vibration, dust, airborne particulates, hydrocarbons, and industrial chemicals. The role requires consistent adherence to safety procedures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including flame‑resistant (FR) clothing, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel‑toe boots, gas detection equipment, and additional PPE as required. The environment offers exposure to cutting‑edge industrial automation technologies and critical energy infrastructure, with significant opportunities for overtime, travel‑based work, and involvement in complex commissioning and troubleshooting activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.