SIS PLC Specialist

INEOS•Alvin, TX

7d•$123,004 - $153,755•Onsite

About The Position

The SIS-PLC Specialist provides technical support for conceptual and front-end loading design, configuration, programming, documentation, testing, commissioning, and sustainability of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems at INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA facilities. The role supports compliance with IEC 61511 standards and INEOS Process Safety Management principles, and is responsible for PLC networks, the site-wide PLC monitoring system, related hardware and software, and PLC system cybersecurity. The specialist manages PLC backups and verifies that current revisions of operating programs are maintained, while ensuring PLC narratives, SIS directives, and maintenance procedures are accurate and current. Working with Operations, SIS and SIF teams, Capital Engineering, Maintenance Capital Projects, PSIM, Reliability, and Mechanical Integrity, the specialist supports new installations and the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of existing systems at Chocolate Bayou Works, Stratton Ridge, and Hobbs. The role participates in project design and execution from front-end loading through detailed design, start-up, and commissioning, and helps maintain a robust SIS lifecycle and optimized PLC systems. This position reports to the E&I Engineering Team Leader.

Requirements

Associate degree in Instrument and/or Electrical Technology, or professional electrical training; equivalent professional training is acceptable with SIS/PLC experience.
At least 5 years of industrial experience working with PLCs, including testing, interlock programming, automation, simulation, and maintenance.
Working experience supporting Allen-Bradley, Triconex, GE, and Honeywell LM PLCs.
Plant-level experience and understanding of P&ID drawings, instrumentation loop drawings, PLC terminology, and industry standards that influence SIS functionality and PLC configurations.
Strong instrument and control systems background.
Plant-level experience and understanding of on-site PLCs.
Ability to work with EPC firms and internal engineering on SIS and PLC logic development.
Ability to communicate with EPC firms and suppliers to ensure quotes meet INEOS requirements and cost expectations.
Experience executing capital and expense projects in accordance with site procedures and protocols.
Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines and with contractors delivering SIS projects, PLC programming or hardware, and/or PSM initiatives.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and deliver quality results on time.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead, motivate, influence, and manage change.
Ability to build positive relationships with plant personnel in Operations, Maintenance, Technology, and Capital Projects in support of SIS initiatives and PLC optimization.
Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Self-motivated, takes initiative to achieve results, and seeks opportunities for additional responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Safety Instrumented Systems and IEC 61511, IEC 61508, API RP 553 and 556, API-670, and NFPA 85, 86, and 87 requirements.
Ability to coach and mentor maintenance technicians and junior-level technical staff.

Responsibilities

Support assessment, design, documentation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of new SIS and PLC installations, and maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize existing hardware and software systems.
Participate in front-end loading, detailed design, development, start-up, and commissioning activities.
Develop project documentation, stage review materials, and preventive maintenance requirements to support SIS lifecycle and PLC system sustainability.
Support troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of PLCs and resolve issues associated with SIS implementation.
Work with the site SIS Engineer to improve and maintain SIS/SIF systems and troubleshoot SIS trips and failures to activate.
Support SIS documentation and help ensure site SIS systems meet applicable code requirements.
Assess SIS and PLC changes through management-of-change processes, validate programming changes before implementation, support training, and verify updates to procedures, narratives, and preventive maintenance documentation.
Lead and ensure PLC narratives are current, requested changes are documented, and change testing and commissioning plans follow site procedures, PSM, and ISA requirements.
Administer and program site PLC systems as gatekeeper, ensuring systems are secured.
Support PLC network development and site cybersecurity for PLC networks, monitors, and computers.
Support and mentor unit technicians in troubleshooting and developing PLC programming changes, HMI displays, and I/O configurations.
Keep current with technology and seek improvements to general and safety PLC systems.
Provide process-related information to Environmental and Quality Control as needed to maintain continuity of data for reporting and quality control.
Review and comment on engineering design packages involving PLC changes or SIS implementation.
Assist with root cause analysis of process upsets and operation sequence-of-events issues.
Develop and configure interfaces that facilitate process improvements and incorporate process, mechanical, and safety interlocks.
Support development and challenge resolutions to SIS activations to prevent recurrence.
Support development of functional requirements, specifications, and site procedures or guidelines.
Support effective transfer of SIS and PLC technology and sharing of best practices among site teams and INEOS O&P facilities.
Provide SIS and PLC guidance in capital project development and support system design from front-end loading through detailed design and issued-for-construction packages.
Understand and implement the INEOS 20 Principles and communicate them effectively within the work group.