SIS PLC Specialist

INEOS•Alvin, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The SIS PLC Specialist provides technical support for the conceptual and front-end loading design of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) controls and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) configurations, including design, programming, documentation, testing, commissioning, and system sustainability. The role supports alignment with IEC 61511 standards and INEOS Process Safety Management principles at O&P facilities, and manages PLC networks, site-wide PLC monitoring systems, and related hardware and software. The position is responsible for PLC cybersecurity support, backup management, maintaining current revisions of running PLC programs, and validating PLC system narratives and SIS directives and maintenance procedures. The Specialist works with Operations, SIS and SIF teams, Capital Engineering, Maintenance Capital Projects, PSIM, Reliability, and Mechanical Integrity to coordinate PLC improvements and their ongoing support. The position reports to the E&I Engineering Team Leader and supports sites at Chocolate Bayou Works, Stratton Ridge, and Hobbs.

Requirements

Associate degree in Instrument and/or Electrical Technology, or professional electrical training, with SIS/PLC experience accepted as an alternative.
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 influencing SIS functionality and PLC configurations.
Strong instrumentation and control systems background.
Plant-level experience and understanding of on-site PLCs.
Ability to work with EPC companies and internal engineering teams to develop SIS and PLC logic.
Experience executing capital and project-expense work while following site procedures and protocols.
Experience working with multiple engineering disciplines and contractors on 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.
Strong leadership skills, including the ability to lead and motivate individuals and teams, influence others, and manage change.
Ability to build positive working relationships with Operations, Maintenance, Technology, and Capital Projects personnel 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, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of new and existing SIS and PLC systems.
Participate in front-end loading and detailed design, development, start-up, and commissioning activities.
Develop project execution and sustainability documentation, including stage-review documents and preventive maintenance requirements.
Understand and implement the INEOS 20 Principles and communicate them effectively within the work group.
Work with the site SIS Engineer to improve and maintain site SIS and SIF systems.
Support SIS documentation and 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 that related documentation is updated.
Lead and maintain current PLC narratives and documentation of requested changes, testing, and commissioning plans in accordance with site procedures, PSM, and ISA requirements.
Administer and program site PLC systems as gatekeeper while ensuring system security.
Support PLC network development and PLC cybersecurity for networks, monitors, and computers.
Manage PLC backups and ensure the latest revisions of running PLC programs are maintained.
Support and mentor unit technicians in troubleshooting and developing PLC programming changes, HMI displays, and I/O configurations.
Keep abreast of technology and pursue improvements to plant general-purpose and safety PLC systems.
Provide process-related information to Environmental and Quality Control as needed for reporting and quality control continuity.
Review and comment on engineering design and construction packages involving PLC changes or SIS implementation.
Assist with root cause analysis of process upsets and operation sequence-of-events investigations.
Develop and configure interfaces for process improvements and process, mechanical, and safety interlocks.
Support the SIS Site Engineer in investigating SIS trips and failures to activate, and in developing or challenging resolutions to prevent recurrence.
Support development of functional requirements, specifications, site procedures, and guidelines.
Support technology transfer and sharing of SIS and PLC best practices among site teams and INEOS O&P facilities.
Provide SIS and PLC guidance during capital project development and support system design from front-end loading through detailed design and issued-for-construction packages.
Work with EPC companies and suppliers to ensure quotations meet INEOS requirements and cost expectations.