Automation Engineer

Shell•Carson, CA

8d•$124,000 - $186,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Shell is seeking an Automation Engineer for its Carson Terminal in Carson, California. The role provides technical expertise in Process Automation, Control & Optimization (PACO), instrumentation, control systems, automation, and low- and high-voltage electrical systems across the Americas Distribution & Midstream business. As part of the Americas Automation, Controls, & Electrical (ACE) organization, the engineer supports safe, reliable, and efficient asset operations through on-site troubleshooting, engineering support, technical assurance, threat mitigation, and project support. The role is a key technical resource for Instrumentation, Control, & Electrical activities, with a focus on process control systems and automation technologies, and contributes to reliability improvements, causal investigations, assurance, and continuous improvement. The position is based in Carson, California, with a primary focus on West Coast U.S. assets. It may also support work across the U.S. and Canada according to business priorities. On-site work at the Carson Terminal is required at least four days per week, and travel to other regional assets may be required up to 40% of the time. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who are not currently based in the area.

Requirements

Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis for an employer other than the current employer.
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline.
At least 7 years of experience in automation, controls, instrumentation, electrical engineering, or facility engineering roles.
Strong practical experience with one or more of the following: PLC systems, SCADA and RTU systems, industrial communication networks, instrumentation and control systems, VFDs, motor controls, MCCs, electrical distribution systems, or tank gauging and measurement systems.
Experience troubleshooting automation and control systems in operational environments.
Working knowledge of applicable industry standards, process safety principles, and risk management practices.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work on-site at the Carson Terminal at least four days per week and travel to other regional assets up to 40% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support safe, reliable, and compliant operation of automation, control, and instrumentation systems.
Troubleshoot and resolve PACO and electrical system issues, including rack control systems, pumps, VFDs, PLCs and control logic, instrumentation and communications, electrical distribution, and motor controls.
Provide technical support for threat mitigation, operational improvement, and business opportunity projects.
Apply ACE standards, engineering practices, and process control principles consistently.
Support automation, digitalization, and reliability improvement initiatives across the Americas region.
Provide discipline support and subject matter expertise in PACO and electrical disciplines.
Support process control systems, PLCs, RTUs, SCADA, tank gauging, communications, instrumentation, and automation architectures.
Identify process requirements and develop practical automation and control solutions that support operational and business objectives.
Support optimization of control strategies and automation performance.
Provide electrical support, including arc flash studies and maintenance of critical documentation such as area classifications and one-line diagrams.
Provide technical support during operational upsets and significant equipment failures.
Provide automation, controls, instrumentation, and electrical engineering support for capital and expense projects.
Participate in design reviews, technical evaluations, commissioning, startup, FAT, and SAT activities.
Support implementation of automation improvements and business opportunity projects.
Provide electrical engineering support for project work that does not involve high-voltage system engineering.
Participate in assurance reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations.
Support causal investigations, incident reviews, and root cause analysis activities.
Lead or support mitigation of high-risk technical threats involving automation, controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
Provide technical expertise for risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Asset Engineering, AITS, and Project Delivery teams.
Provide technical guidance and coaching to technicians and operations personnel.
Support implementation of ACE standards, preferred practices, and lessons learned.
Contribute to regional initiatives involving automation, remote operations, controls modernization, and digitalization.

Benefits

Relocation assistance for successful candidates not currently based in the area.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
Life insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs.
Company pension plan and 401(k) plan.
Up to 6 weeks of paid vacation time and up to 11 paid holidays.
Paid parental leave: 16 weeks for birthing parents and 8 weeks for non-birthing parents.
Short-term disability leave for up to 26 weeks at 100% or 50% of base pay, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
Financial reimbursement for adoption, wellness, education, and personal learning expenses.
Some roles are eligible for discretionary long-term incentives.
Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote or mobile working.
Annual performance-related salary increase.
Training and development programs.