Principal Process Automation Engineer

PEAK Technical Services Inc.; Artesia (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

PEAK Technical Services, Inc. is seeking an experienced automation engineering leader to drive multi-discipline projects in a refinery environment.

The role requires hands-on programing of PLC and DCS platforms and coordination across engineering, construction, and system integration partners at the Artesia, NM site. The ideal candidate will bring 10-12 years of control systems leadership, front-end engineering experience, and familiarity with Experion, Triconex, and Rockwell PLCs.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of experience leading control systems projects and managing a team.
• Experience in mining, petrochemical, oil and gas, or nuclear industries is a plus.
• Front-end engineering experience developing project scope, control system philosophy, systems architecture, process safety studies, SIL determination, P&ID development, and TIC estimates is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of automation engineering projects across vendor platforms.
• Program and configure PLC and DCS platforms; manage project implementation with a hands-on leadership approach.
• Produce control narratives, cause and effect drawings, and DCS/SIS/PLC specifications for projects.
• Support construction management, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and handover processes.

Skills

Control systems leadership

Project coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Experion DCS

Triconex

Rockwell PLC

Cleopatra

Job description

Job Summary

The primary purpose of this role is to drive the execution of automation engineering projects within the Autonomous and Automation Americas team by leveraging cutting-edge digital, technology, and autonomous solutions across multiple vendor platforms. The consultant will play a pivotal role in delivering innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining, on-shore, or off-shore operations. This is a full-time position based onsite in Artesia, New Mexico, in a refinery environment. Preference will be given to candidates local to Artesia, New Mexico, but non-local candidates willing to travel to the site on a shift schedule will be considered.

Overall Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Strong self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and motivation.
• Collaborate with various offices to share work and integrate staff on projects for a blended execution team.
• Coordinate interfaces with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and project management, as well as technical disciplines including process, civil, structural, piping, mechanical, and electrical.
• Adapt to client's needs and expand role as necessary.
• Assist in and eventually lead the preparation of proposals, execution plans, and budgets.
• Experience in all engineering phases within a project from concept through design and engineering, construction support, and commissioning/validation and handover.
• Program and configure PLC and DCS platforms while leading a team for project implementation; hands-on and leading approach required.
• Produce process automation deliverables such as control narratives, cause and effect drawings, Boolean logic diagrams, DCS/SIS/PLC functional specifications, system cabinet layout drawings, wiring diagrams, system card layout and loading, and basic I&C deliverables including instrument datasheets, instrument index, wiring diagrams, and system architecture.
• Experience in the development and commissioning of complex automation projects.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and produce concise reports and presentations appropriate for all levels.
• Take ownership for project success, including delivery of target quality, cost management, and customer satisfaction.
• Proactively build a knowledge base of tools and methodologies to drive productivity and growth.
• Lead work process improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Travel as required for various field programs.

Qualifications

• 10-12 years of experience with expertise in leading control systems projects in the industry and managing a team.
• Experience in sectors such as mining, petrochemical, oil and gas, or nuclear industries is a plus.
• Specific front-end engineering experience developing project scope, control system philosophy, systems architecture, process safety studies, SIL determination, P&ID development, and building TIC estimates is required.
• Experience programming and configuring Client Experion DCS is required; knowledge of Client TDC and programming and configuring Triconex is an asset.
• Experience programming and configuring PLC platforms, preferably Rockwell.
• Experience in developing Total Installed Cost (TIC) estimates for capital projects, including performing material takeoffs and utilizing estimating software tools (Cleopatra preferred).
• Ability to produce process automation deliverables such as control narratives, cause and effect drawings, Boolean logic diagrams, DCS/SIS/PLC functional specifications, system cabinet layout drawings, wiring diagrams, and system card layout and loading.
• Able to produce basic I&C deliverables such as instrument datasheets, instrument index, wiring diagrams, and system architecture.
• Detailed design experience including selection, specification, and procurement of field instrumentation and BPCS/SIS systems.
• Experience with design deliverables such as instrument and IO indexes, written specifications, cause and effect diagrams, PLC/DCS/SIS systems networking and architecture, binary logic diagrams, instrument datasheets, FAT & SAT protocols, proof test protocols, construction scope of works, project execution plans, and schedules.
• Experience working in the field with specific support for construction management, FAT and SAT, installation qualification, commissioning, and handover.
• Experience in the full lifecycle of automation development, from planning, development, testing, commissioning, and operations.

Education – Qualifications, Accreditation, Training

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering discipline (Electrical, Instrumentation, Computer Systems, Chemical). P.E. license is a plus.

About Artesia, New Mexico: Located in the heart of southeastern New Mexico, Artesia is known for its rich history in oil and gas production. With a small-town charm and a strong sense of community, Artesia offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities, making it a great place to live and work.
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