Specialist-Automation & Controls, Sr.

Tallgrass MLP Operations, LLC•Houston, TX

32d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide technical leadership and support to power plant & compression operations facilities to ensure the safe and efficient operations of all Automation & Control equipment and systems. Also assist with employee training, testing and development, capital and project budgets, and technical support functions.

Requirements

Associate's degree from an accredited institution in a technical field.
A minimum of eight (8) years of direct and active work experience in the gas processing plant and technical analysis may be considered as a substitute for a degree.
In addition to the degree requirement listed above, must have at least 4 years direct and active work experience in gas processing plant and technical analysis. If no degree, must have a minimum of 8 years direct and active work experience in gas processing plant and technical analysis.
Knowledge in natural gas processing plant and compression automation and the instrumentation necessary for this automation.
Knowledge of PLC ladder logic, Wonderware InTouch, as well as one or more other programming languages used in automation.
Must be able to learn new programming skills as needed.
Experience and knowledge in standard communication techniques utilized in the automation industry.
Experience and knowledge with specification and procurement of physical media types used in communications, including copper, fiber-optic, and radio communications.
Knowledge and/or application experience with national and international instrument electrical and controls standards.
Construction knowledge working in electrically hazardous area applications.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to consistently apply company policies and practices, and regulatory requirements.
Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).
Familiarity with and ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical blueprints and diagrams, including flow charts, cause/effect diagrams, and Piping and Instrument Drawings (P&ID's).
Demonstrated Intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft applications (including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for the purpose of word processing, presentations, spreadsheets and information retrieval.
Problem solving skills, including logical thought processes, with the ability to resolve simple to complex issues.
Ability to organize, schedule and prioritize workload to meet various schedules and objectives on short notice.
Ability to resolve conflict in a win-win manner.
Adhere to performance expectations as defined by the Department and Customer.
Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

Nice To Haves

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain automation systems.
Develop and maintain PC based HMI automation systems.
Specify communications equipment necessary for computer automation systems. This could include Ethernet (TCP and UDP), Modbus, Profibus, Control Net, DH+, as well as the physical media (fiber optic, copper, and radio).
Develop and control capital projects. Specifically, develop, manage and control project scope, schedule, projected costs, and quality assurance oversight.
Specify and procure instrumentation used in automation systems.
Manage Contractor bid process, select contractor, and manage contractor throughout automation projects.
Provide technical expertise in instrument, electrical, and/or automation specifications and standards as required.
Organize work for timely completion and be available for work after regular hours if required.
Be capable of managing multiple assignments with various deadlines and responsibility levels concurrently.
Maintain regular, dependable attendance, self-motivated and high level of performance.
Awareness of company Engineering Standards, Construction Standards, Operations and Maintenance Procedures, Site Specific Procedures and governmental safety regulations.
Read and interpret electrical, control, and instrumentation drawings.
Oversee the repair, modification, and maintenance of appropriate equipment, systems and assets.
Implement recommended technological advancements for field operations.
Assist in the planning and management of the operating and capital budgets.
Collaborate with other field management personnel to solve interrelated administrative, organizational, operational, and technical problems.
Assist with the ongoing training, testing, and development of area technical employees.
Identify, report, and correct safety and environmental concerns.
Provide support to technicians as needed with Control logic and wiring, and troubleshooting I/O problems. Work with operations on control and process problems.
Primary interface, troubleshooting, and coordination with third-party automation vendors.
Participation in Process Safety Management (PSM) employee requirements and procedures.
Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with internal and external customers.
Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
Will work non-traditional hours as needed.
Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
Other daily, weekly, monthly or special project duties as identified and defined.
Other duties as assigned.