Automation Specialist

Oxy•Big Spring, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Oxy is seeking an experienced Automation Specialist for its Permian ORCM Team. The position is located in Big Spring, Texas, and is responsible for installing, programming, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automation equipment to improve gas plant operations and uptime while reducing operating costs. The specialist performs local maintenance activities, manages maintenance vendors and support services, tracks and reports maintenance costs, prepares project quotes, and maintains complete preventive-maintenance documentation. The role supports plant analyzers and DCS/PLC systems, communicates maintenance activities with the Plant Planner and Scheduler Team, and provides analytical and outage support. It also involves mentoring junior Automation Technicians, contributing input on new technologies, and keeping plants orderly through proper management of PLC programs, panel wiring, and automation equipment. The position is not eligible for relocation. Oxy does not offer sponsorship of employment-based nonimmigrant visa petitions for this role.

Requirements

Two-year technical degree or equivalent work experience.
Expert knowledge of oil and gas automation systems.
Competent knowledge of oil and gas process facilities.
At least 5 years of oil and gas experience.
At least 2 years of oil and gas automation experience.
Expert-level understanding of automation and electrical design principles.
Understanding of PSSRs and MOCs.
Extensive expertise in EOR safe work systems.
Extensive expertise in electrical and automation construction codes and practices.
Extensive knowledge of material specifications and application.
Understanding of regulatory guidelines.
Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
Ability to perform under pressure.
Ability to work with a team and communicate with other crafts.
Advanced computer skills, including MS Office Suite and Oxy proprietary software.
Knowledge of tagging conventions, programming simulation, and testing.
Strong time-management skills.
Strong written, oral, and project-management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of DCS and PLC systems, including understanding of digital and analog I/O, programming, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

Perform local maintenance activities and directly manage maintenance vendors and support services.
Represent the Automation team in plant maintenance-related correspondence.
Understand plant processes, equipment, and design to support the Plant team.
Perform corrective and predictive maintenance on automation equipment.
Track and report maintenance costs.
Provide accurate quotes for automation and maintenance projects.
Ensure preventive-maintenance documentation is accurate, complete, and centrally stored for all automation equipment.
Provide operational and maintenance support for plant analyzers, including GC’s, CEMS, Dewpoint, and O2.
Communicate maintenance activities with the Plant Planner and Scheduler Team.
Mentor and train junior Automation Technicians in process flow and PLC, HMI, and end-device troubleshooting.
Respond to outages and provide automation support.
Work according to the assigned schedule and keep work orders from becoming out of compliance.
Provide plant DCS and PLC troubleshooting support.
Provide analytical support for plant problems.
Provide input on new technologies.
Maintain orderly plants, including proper management of PLC programs, PLC panel wiring, and automation equipment cleanliness.