Oilfield Electrical & Data Communications Technician

ZL Chemicals Ltd.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ZL Chemicals Ltd. in Houston seeks an experienced Oilfield Electrical & Data Communications Technician to support electrical, instrumentation, automation, and communications systems on mobile hydration units during field operations.

You will install, troubleshoot, and commission field equipment to ensure reliable data transmission. This role requires strong electrical and network skills, familiarity with Modbus TCP/RTU, RS-232/RS-485, and industrial protocols.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in electrical/telemetry or industrial networking.
• Ability to read schematics and technical docs.
• Willingness to travel up to 70% and work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot electrical/electronic equipment and field devices.
• Configure industrial networks and protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, RS-232/RS-485).
• Diagnose connectivity and device issues; support commissioning.
• Perform electrical testing, calibration, and preventive maintenance.
• Document network changes and maintenance records.
• Follow safety policies and participate in on-call as needed.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Industrial networking

PLC knowledge

Reading schematics

Test equipment

Driver's license

Field work

Tools

PLCs

Industrial networks

SCADA systems

Job description

Oilfield Electrical & Data Communications Technician

Location

Houston, TX (with travel to supplier and field locations; up to 70% travel)

Reports To

Operations manager, Houston

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Electrical & Data Communications Technician to support electrical (480V–110V), instrumentation, automation, and communications systems on our mobile hydration units during oilfield operations. This role installs, troubleshoots, maintains, and commissions field equipment, ensuring reliable data transmission between field devices, control systems, and remote monitoring platforms across protocols including Modbus TCP, RS-232, and RS-485.

The ideal candidate combines strong electrical and instrumentation knowledge with industrial networking and telemetry experience, works independently in demanding field environments, and responds effectively to equipment and communications issues. Oilfield experience is a plus but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical/electronic equipment, instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, control panels, PLCs, and field devices.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and communication protocols (Modbus RTU/TCP, Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, RS-232/RS-485), including switches, routers, modems, and wireless access points.
• Diagnose connectivity, signal, addressing, and configuration issues; support automation/communications equipment commissioning.
• Perform electrical testing, calibration, and preventive maintenance; read schematics, wiring diagrams, and loop diagrams.
• Verify accurate transmission of pressure, flow, temperature, tank level, production, and alarm data.
• Collaborate with operations, automation, engineering, and IT teams; document equipment changes, network configurations, and maintenance records.
• Follow company safety policies and applicable electrical/oilfield regulations; participate in on-call/emergency response as needed.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in electrical, E-Tech, instrumentation, automation, telemetry, or industrial communications (oilfield experience a plus).
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and working knowledge of industrial networking/data communications.
• Experience with PLCs, instrumentation, or automation equipment; ability to read schematics and technical documentation.
• Basic IP networking knowledge (addressing, switches, routers, Ethernet).
• Proficiency with electrical test equipment (multimeters, clamp meters).
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel and work in remote outdoor oilfield environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with oilfield production, drilling, completions, artificial lift, or pipeline operations.
• PLC/HMI experience; router and network switch configuration.
• Familiarity with Modbus, Ethernet/IP, or similar protocols.
• Knowledge of VFDs, motor controls, MCCs, and electrical distribution.
• Instrumentation calibration experience; relevant electrical, instrumentation, automation, or networking certifications.

Key Competencies

• Works independently in remote field environments with minimal supervision; sound judgment under time pressure.
• Methodical troubleshooter who isolates electrical, instrumentation, and network faults to root cause rather than symptom.
• Safety-first mindset around energized, rotating, and pressurized systems; challenges unsafe conditions.
• Clear communicator across operations, automation, engineering, and IT; documents work accurately and promptly.
• Rapid learning agility on new equipment, protocols, and control platforms.
• Strong ownership of outcomes and resilience across extended shifts, on‑call, and callout work.

Physical & Field Requirements

Ability to work outdoors in remote locations and varying weather; climb stairs, ladders, and equipment structures; lift and carry tools/equipment; work around rotating, electrical, and pressurized systems. Willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or on‑call shifts as required.