Automation Control Specialist

Diversified Gas & Oil Corporation•Andrews, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Control Specialist works with IT/SCADA, field technicians, and operations specialists to design, maintain, and implement control and automation systems used in natural gas production, operations, processing, and NGL facilities. The role also provides field-level technical support for automation, instrumentation, and control equipment, including installation, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The position is based in Pikeville, Kentucky. The specialist programs and validates PLC/EFM/RTU-based control systems; modifies field HMIs, control programs, and other automated components; investigates malfunctions and implements corrective actions; and identifies opportunities to improve equipment and processes. The role maintains industrial communications networks and configures, tests, and maintains automated control systems across a variety of platforms. It also coordinates with technical and engineering disciplines, provides technical expertise and field support, oversees installation and commissioning, mentors Equipment & Controls technicians, and supports capital projects. Responsibilities include scoping, budgeting, and executing small capital projects involving automation of facility equipment. The position requires work in physically demanding outdoor and industrial/oilfield environments, emergency on-call availability, operation of a 4x4 or company vehicle, and the ability to respond calmly and appropriately during emergencies. The employer may change or assign other duties to the position.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least six years of Industrial Automation experience demonstrating knowledge of industry protocols and standards for PLCs, SCADA systems, electrical devices, field instrumentation, and similar devices.
Relevant experience with industrial process automation and control equipment, including industrial control systems, SCADA systems, electrical devices, and field instrumentation.
Strong communication and project management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting and resolving complex technical matters.
Proficiency with software packages used to interface with equipment at processing and automation locations.
Ability to interpret electrical schematics, piping and instrument drawings (P&IDs), flow charts, and cause-and-effect diagrams.
Ability to use testing equipment such as digital multimeters, process meters, HART communicators, oscilloscopes, ohm meters, and signal generators.
Experience with Microsoft Office products, Adobe Acrobat, and general computer use.
Ability to work safely in challenging environments, including heat, noise, dust, and other industrial or oilfield conditions.
Ability to perform job functions efficiently with minimal supervision and prioritize activities to meet company needs.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors, prioritize work schedules, attend to details, and follow work rules.
Self-starter with a strong drive for results and good time-management skills; able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to walk up and down stairs and ladders, negotiate uneven surfaces, and lift and carry 50 pounds or more.
Valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and insurer; must maintain a clean driving record and be eligible for coverage under the company's vehicle insurance policy.
Ability to move between locations on a job site; remain stationary for extended periods; frequently stoop, kneel, or squat; and occasionally climb ladders or traverse uneven terrain.
Ability to detect and assess driving operations effectively, either naturally or with corrective lenses.
Ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle.
Ability to repetitively move or position feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, and back, and constantly use and position hands and fingers while working.
Ability to work atop elevated surfaces and traverse various heights.
Frequently push and pull with a maximum force of 150 ft./lbs.
Ability to work constantly outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions, including well-site conditions, and walk long distances in wooded terrain.
Ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately to the circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Technical or associate degree in Industrial Automation or Process Controls preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Program and validate PLC/EFM/RTU-based control systems to support safe and efficient execution of operator or interconnected-device commands.
Implement changes to field HMIs, control programs, and other automated components to support operational changes and improvements.
Investigate failures and malfunctions, determine root causes, and take corrective action.
Identify opportunities to improve existing equipment and develop solutions that accommodate engineering, application, and process criteria.
Maintain and diagnose facility industrial communications networks using protocols such as serial, Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP, HART, FieldBus, and DeviceNet.
Configure, test, and maintain automated control systems and other control platforms, including Bristol-Control Wave, Modicon-Unity Pro, Allen Bradley-ControlLogix, ABB, and AutoExec.
Coordinate with technical and engineering disciplines to integrate automation systems and optimize facility operations, safety, and environmental protections.
Provide technical expertise on automation, instrument, and electrical specifications and standards as required.
Oversee system installation, lead commissioning, and provide troubleshooting support for automation and control-system projects.
Mentor and provide leadership to facility Equipment & Controls technicians to support staff development.
Guide and support capital project teams in ensuring facilities are constructed and programmed in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Scope, budget, and execute small capital projects involving automation of facility equipment, including well pads, injection wells, compressor packages and stations, process units, and pumps.
Provide expertise to company management, engineering, and operations staff.
Be available for emergency on-call support and respond appropriately during incidents.
Operate a company vehicle for work-related travel or use a personal vehicle for company business, while following traffic laws and company vehicle policies.