Instrumentation and Controls Specialist | Plant Barry

Southern Company • Bucks, AL

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is accountable for providing technical direction for the design of control systems, program configuration, installation of systems, and troubleshooting system problems on distributed/process control systems. The incumbent will be responsible for providing ongoing inspections and evaluation of control systems and for determining the appropriate direction on design and performance improvements, upgrades, and other modifications to plant instrumentation and control systems. The incumbent will work closely with the Operations Department to identify and correct shortcomings in the plant control systems. They are to be the expert on issues surrounding control systems. They will also work with System Owners / Engineers to ensure their systems / projects are up to date on the latest technologies and provide technical guidance to ensure all systems are maintained to the latest standards. They will ensure compliance with Technical Standards related to Controls and NERC CIP. They will confirm adherence to Management of Change processes and lead efforts as it relates to Alarm Management. They will represent the plant on System Subcommittees, I&C Technical Forums, and applicable controls Users’ Groups. Travel between the plant assets (Barry CC, Theodore Co-gen and Washington County Co-gen) will be required.

Requirements

• Four-year degree, two-year technical certification, or associate degree in electronics is preferred or equivalent experience is required.
• Minimum five years of experience in electronics, instrumentation, program configuration, distributed/process control systems, PLC's, DCS, plant electrical maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to plan control system migrations for future needs of the plant to provide for reliable boiler and turbine controls.
• Understand plant systems and controls.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions with limited information.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining good relationships with operations, maintenance, and support personnel.
• Exhibit strong leadership skills such as communication, critical thinking, and willing to challenge the status quo.

Nice To Haves

• Ovation DCS, GE Mark VI or VIe, or MHI NetMation control system knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical direction for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, tuning and calibration activities necessary to ensure that control systems function properly. Maintains adequate and up to date backups of all configurations.
• Leads the design and installation of new equipment and the retrofit of existing equipment. Troubleshoot and develop solutions to repair plant instrumentation and control systems and system protection equipment.
• Performs periodic inspections of the control rooms to determine the status of equipment. Manage a preventive maintenance and calibration program for instrumentation and control systems. Develop and manage functional tests for control systems.
• Must be available for call-out responsibilities on a 24-hour basis to address priority maintenance needs.
• Stays abreast of the state-of-the-art technology, electrical equipment innovations, unit operations and maintenance procedures. Direct modifications, specifications, installation, and configuration of control systems as required.
• Provide feedback to management regarding problems associated with plant and system controls. Conduct investigations to determine causes of trips and similar events and, when appropriate, develop measures to avoid recurrence.
• Assist in the development of plans to increase the skill levels of the craft employees. Assist in the teaching and training of those employees to ensure they reach the desired skill level.
• Take ownership and accountability as a technology owner for I&C equipment. This includes managing and maintaining a budget for I&C expenditures, prioritizing expenses, providing expertise when problems arise, seeking improvements in the equipment operation, reviewing alternative equipment, and providing budgetary input regarding other systems.
• Ensure unit simulators are up to date logic wise and function correctly.

Benefits

• competitive base salary
• annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
• additional compensation, such as an incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree