Senior Automation Engineer — Oil & Gas Controls Leader

Arion Blue, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Paycom - ATS is seeking an experienced Sr. Automation Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of control systems in energy sectors. The role focuses on process safety, instrumentation, and robust control architectures for oil & gas environments.

The candidate will drive plant-wide automation projects, develop P&IDs, configure SCADA/HMI, and ensure safe, reliable operations across multiple sites. Travel to field locations may be required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on engineering in continuous process industries such as oil & gas, chemicals or refining.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or computer science.
• Strong knowledge of control systems theory including PID loops and process control.
• Deep understanding of industrial networking protocols (Modbus TCP, PROFINET, OPC UA).
• Experience in energy industry project execution including programming, safety integration, and field applications.
• Familiarity with ISA, API and IEC standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and specification of process control systems; create P&ID, logic diagrams, and control narratives.
• Develop, test, optimize, and maintain PLC/DCS control strategies and logic.
• Develop and manage alarm rationalization programs.
• Design, program, and test SIS to meet SIL requirements and standards.
• Design, configure, and deploy SCADA/HMI for real-time visualization and control.
• Engineer and maintain industrial networks; ensure device communication via EtherNet/IP/PROFINET/Modbus TCP.
• Use simulation tools for design validation, cycle optimization, and virtual commissioning.
• Act as technical expert for diagnostics; perform root cause analysis and preventative actions.
• Manage full automation project lifecycle including requirements, drawings, and FAT coordination.

Skills

Process control

PLC programming

SCADA/HMI

SIS/SIL design

Industrial networking

Root cause analysis

Project lifecycle

Strong communicator

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical/Electrical/Mechanical Eng or CS

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

DeltaV

Honeywell

Ignition

Python

SQL

Job description

Paycom - ATS is seeking an experienced Sr. Automation Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of control systems in energy sectors. The role focuses on process safety, instrumentation, and robust control architectures for oil & gas environments.

The candidate will drive plant-wide automation projects, develop P&IDs, configure SCADA/HMI, and ensure safe, reliable operations across multiple sites. Travel to field locations may be required.