Specialist-Automation & Controls, Sr.

Tallgrass; Douglas (WY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Tallgrass is seeking a senior Automation & Controls professional to lead Emerson DeltaV DCS operations in a gas processing setting. You will configure, maintain, and optimize DeltaV systems, HMI displays, and virtualization infrastructure while coordinating with operations and vendors.

Strong PLC and Wonderware experience are valued. Join Tallgrass to drive safety, reliability, and efficiency in critical hydrocarbon processing facilities, supporting budget planning and project execution.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field; eight years in gas processing automation may substitute for the degree.
• Extensive hands-on DeltaV DCS config, troubleshooting, and maintenance in a process plant.

Responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, and optimize Emerson DeltaV DCS hardware, controller logic, HMI graphics, and databases.
• Develop DeltaV configurations using PCSD and standard configuration frameworks.
• Design and maintain DeltaV Live HMIs with High-Performance graphics for operator awareness.
• Manage DeltaV virtualization (Hyper-V/DeltaV Virtual Studio) and related hosts.
• Support alarm rationalization per ISA-18.2 and Tallgrass standards.
• Integrate third-party PLCs and field devices via Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP.
• Develop Rockwell PLC programs; troubleshoot PC-based HMI systems (Wonderware).
• Provide technical support to operations and coordinate with third-party vendors.
• Contribute to Process Safety Management activities and capital project planning.

Skills

Emerson DeltaV DCS

DeltaV PCSD

DeltaV Live graphics

Wonderware InTouch

Rockwell PLC

HMI design & scripting

Alarm management & rationalization

Process safety & PSM

Industrial networks & protocols

P&ID & drawings reading

Electrical instrumentation knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree in a technical field

Tools

DeltaV PCSD

DeltaV Live

Rockwell PLC

Wonderware InTouch

Hyper-V / DeltaV Virtual Studio

VMWare/ virtualization

Job description

Job Description

Provide technical leadership and support to gas processing plant and compression operations facilities to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Automation & Control equipment and systems, with a primary focus on the maintenance, administration, and optimization of the Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System, or DCS. Responsibilities also include supporting employee training and development, capital and O&M budgeting, project execution, and technical support functions.

Responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, administer, and optimize Emerson DeltaV DCS hardware, controller logic, function blocks, HMI graphics, databases, user security, backups, licenses, and software updates.
• Develop and maintain DeltaV configurations using DeltaV PCSD, or Process Control System Design libraries and standard configuration frameworks.
• Design, configure, and maintain modern HMI displays within the DeltaV Live operations environment, adhering to High-Performance HMI guidelines and grayscale graphics standards to maximize operator situational awareness.
• Manage and troubleshoot the DeltaV virtualization environment, including DeltaV Virtual Studio, virtual machines, host servers, thin clients, and hypervisor networks.
• Participate in and execute Alarm Rationalization initiatives in accordance with Tallgrass standards, ISA-18.2 standards, and applicable industry best practices to minimize alarm flooding and optimize system alerts.
• Integrate third-party PLC systems, subsystems, and field devices into the DeltaV DCS platform using industrial communication protocols, including Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and serial protocols.
• Develop and maintain Rockwell PLC programs.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PC-based HMI automation systems, including Wonderware HMI systems.
• Provide technical support to operations, technicians, and field personnel for control logic, wiring, I/O issues, process control problems, and automation system troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary technical interface for troubleshooting and coordination with third-party automation vendors.
• Participate in Process Safety Management, or PSM, requirements and procedures.
• Develop and manage capital projects, including scope development, planning, budgeting, execution support, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Specify and procure instrumentation, communication media, and automation-related equipment.
• Manage contractor bid processes, contractor selection, and contractor performance during automation projects.
• Provide technical expertise related to instrumentation, electrical systems, automation specifications, and company standards.
• Read and interpret electrical, control, instrumentation, mechanical, process, and P&ID drawings.
• Maintain awareness and application of company Engineering Standards, Construction Standards, Operations and Maintenance Procedures, Site-Specific Procedures, and applicable governmental safety regulations.
• Evaluate and support implementation of recommended technological advancements for field operations.
• Collaborate with field management and cross-functional teams to resolve administrative, organizational, operational, and technical issues.
• Assist with the ongoing training, testing, and development of area technical employees.
• Identify, report, and help correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Organize work for timely completion while managing multiple assignments with varying deadlines and levels of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with a wide variety of people, using tact, courtesy, clear verbal communication, and active listening.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Work non-traditional hours as needed and be available after regular work hours when required.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the safety of the general public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements

Education

• Associate’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical field.
• A minimum of eight years of direct and active work experience in gas processing plant operations, automation, controls, instrumentation, or technical analysis may be considered as a substitute for a degree.

Experience / Specific Knowledge

• Extensive hands‑on experience and advanced knowledge in programming, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Emerson DeltaV DCS systems within a process plant environment.
• Strong understanding of DeltaV system architecture, including ProfessionalPlus stations, Application Stations, control networks, electronic marshalling, and CHARMs.
• Demonstrated experience with DeltaV virtualization infrastructure, including Hyper‑V or DeltaV Virtual Studio management.
• In‑depth knowledge of Emerson DeltaV PCSD standards and structured configuration methodologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency developing graphics in DeltaV Live, including native standard features, scripting, and display topology.
• Strong technical understanding of High‑Performance HMI design philosophies, including the use of grayscale graphics for process visualization.
• Demonstrated experience with alarm management, lifecycle configuration, and alarm rationalization workflows.
• Knowledge of PLC ladder logic, Wonderware InTouch, and one or more additional programming languages used in automation.
• Ability to learn new programming skills as needed.
• Experience with standard industrial communication techniques and protocols, including Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus, and other proprietary communication protocols.
• Experience with specification and procurement of physical communication media, including copper, fiber‑optic, and radio communications.
• Knowledge and/or application experience with national and international instrumentation, electrical, and controls standards.
• Construction knowledge related to electrically hazardous area applications.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to consistently apply company policies, practices, and regulatory requirements.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, control, and instrumentation drawings, including flow charts, cause/effect diagrams, and Piping and Instrument Drawings, or P&IDs.
• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency with