Technical Specialist I/II/Sr - Controls and Electrical

Northern Natural Gas; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northern Natural Gas in Omaha is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist to provide advanced guidance on automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems, and to lead field projects. You will design, review and implement controls, mentor teams, manage budgets, and ensure adherence to codes and standards while traveling 15-20%.

Join an experienced team focused on reliability, engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic pipeline

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• High level technical writing skills for incident reports and bulletins.
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs and FactoryTalk View, plus PLC programming.
• Ability to present technical information to senior management.
• Advanced knowledge of WANs, server-based control systems and protocols (Modbus, Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet).
• Strong multitasking, project leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; analytical problem solving.
• Willingness to travel 15-20% and participate in weekend/on-call as needed.
• Must lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical guidance on automation, distribution, communications, and fire and gas systems.
• Lead field operations, engineering and technical services project teams.
• Review and update operating procedures and engineering standards.
• Review programming changes for PLCs and HMI within change control.
• Develop scope documents and project cost estimates for automation projects.
• Create training materials and deliver classroom instruction to field technicians.
• Perform skill training, assessment and verification for field operations staff.
• Possibly perform project management responsibilities as needed.
• Identify process improvements to increase system efficiency.

Skills

Technical writing

Project management

Teamwork

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix 5

Rockwell FactoryTalk View

PLC programming

Job description

Job Description

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the levels posted, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise. This position is also eligible for relocation assistance for qualified candidates. The purpose of this position is to provide advanced specialized technical assistance and training to field operations, engineering and technical services departments for the evaluation, design, installation and repair of automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems; lead project teams in field automation projects and prioritize capital projects for budgeting purposes.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical guidance to field operations controls, measurement, mechanical and pipeline technicians relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems relative to day-to-day operations.
• Work with engineering and construction, field operations and technical services departments to ensure effective design, installation and operation of automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems for new construction projects meet NNG standards and governmental and industry codes.
• Review and update, if required, Northern operating procedures and engineering standards relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems.
• Review programming changes for programmable logic controllers and human machine interfaces relative to the change control process.
• Identify and develop process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiencies of system operation relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems.
• Develop scope documents to be used for budgeting purposes for automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection projects.
• Develop project cost estimates and resource allocation plans for identified reliability projects.
• Create and maintain audit questions and perform facility audits relative to automation, power distribution, communications and fire and gas detection systems using Northern standards and governmental and industry codes and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with the Northern training department to develop training, assessment and verification questions and plans.
• Present classroom training to field technicians and engineering departments for controls related topics.
• Perform skill training, assessment and verification for field operations technicians.
• Perform occasional project management responsibilities.
• Perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, business administration or related field; or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree).
  • Technical Specialist I - Three or more years of related technical controls and electrical experience.
  • Technical Specialist II - Five or more years of related technical controls and electrical experience.
  • Sr Technical Specialist - Eight or more years of related technical controls and electrical experience.
• Must have high level technical writing skills to prepare reports relative to incident investigations, technical bulletins, project justifications and other reporting requirements.
• Must be well versed in multiple PLC software and hardware platforms; i.e.: Rockwell Control Logix 5, and Rockwell Factory Talk View.
• Must be able to prepare technical presentations for senior management review.
• Must have advanced technical skills related to wide area computer networks and server-based control systems and controls related communication protocols including Modbus, Ethernet; ControlNet and DeviceNet.
• Must be able to handle rapidly shifting priorities and multiple projects concurrently and work in a functional team with peers geographically dispersed throughout the pipeline system.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills to effectively operate in a team-oriented environment with a willingness to support team objectives.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to work closely with field teams and other customers and coordinate work with other appropriate technical resources.
• Must have critical thinking and decision-making skills to develop and present technical recommendations; strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; and be able to resolve complex problems under stressful situations.
• Must have strong project management skills and ability to lead technical project team.
• Must possess a high level of commitment and personal initiative.
• Subject to callout 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Position may require considerable overnight travel (15-20%).
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northern Natural Gas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.