The Process Automation Technician – Commissioning is responsible for supporting the installation verification, calibration, testing, loop checking, and commissioning of process automation and control systems. This role ensures that field instrumentation, control equipment, and automation systems are installed, tested, and commissioned in accordance with project specifications, client standards, and safety requirements to support the safe and successful start-up of the facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Verify the installation of field instrumentation, including:
- Pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments
- Control valves, on/off valves, and actuators
- Analyzers, junction boxes, and instrumentation panels
- Confirm installations comply with P&IDs, loop drawings, hook-up drawings, wiring diagrams, and instrument datasheets.
- Inspect cable terminations, labeling, tagging, and grounding for accuracy and completeness.
2. Calibration & Instrument Configuration
- Perform calibration of field instruments using certified test equipment.
- Configure and adjust transmitters, switches, and control valves in accordance with project requirements.
- Maintain accurate calibration records and documentation.
- Assist with configuration of smart instrumentation using HART, Foundation Fieldbus, or similar communication protocols.
3. Loop Checking & Functional Testing
- Perform loop checks between field devices and DCS, PLC, or SCADA systems.
- Verify signal continuity, scaling, polarity, and instrument functionality.
- Support functional testing of:
- Process control loops
- Interlocks and shutdown systems
- Alarms, indications, and operator interfaces
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve loop check discrepancies.
4. Process Automation Systems Support
- Support commissioning activities for:
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- SCADA systems
- Assist with I/O verification, cabinet inspections, and communication testing.
- Support integration between field devices and control system hardware.
5. Fire & Security Systems Support
- Assist with commissioning activities for:
- Security Access Control Systems (SACS)
- Support device verification, cabinet inspections, CCTV testing, and signal validation.
- Assist with integration and communication testing between automation, fire, and security systems.
- Participate in pre-commissioning inspections and system readiness activities.
- Support commissioning and start-up of automation systems.
- Assist with troubleshooting, fault finding, and corrective actions during commissioning.
- Verify automation systems are ready for operational handover.
7. Documentation & Reporting
- Complete and maintain commissioning documentation, including:
- Functional test reports
- Report progress, deficiencies, and punch list items to the Automation Lead.
- Assist with updating red-line drawings and as-built documentation.
8. Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)
- Comply with all client and site HSE policies and procedures, including Permit to Work and Lock Out/Tag Out/Try Out (LOTOTO) requirements.
- Wear appropriate PPE and perform work safely at all times.
- Identify hazards and report unsafe conditions immediately.
- Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and pre-job risk assessments.
9. System Completion & Handover
- Identify and document punch list items during testing and inspections.
- Support the completion and close-out of automation-related punch items.
- Assist with system turnover, commissioning dossiers, and final handover documentation.
Qualifications
Education
- Diploma or Technical Certificate in Instrumentation, Automation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Experience
- 3–8 years of experience supporting instrumentation, automation, and commissioning activities on industrial projects.
- Experience working on EPC or industrial facilities such as mining, power generation, oil & gas, metals and minerals, or other heavy industrial projects.
- Hands-on experience with field instrumentation, process automation systems, and control system commissioning.
Preferred Technical Skills
- Calibration and testing of field instrumentation.
- Loop checking and functional testing.
- DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems.
- HART and Foundation Fieldbus communication protocols.
- Reading and interpreting P&IDs, loop drawings, wiring diagrams, and instrument datasheets.
- Troubleshooting instrumentation and control systems.
- Commissioning documentation and turnover packages.