Specialist-Engineer/Tech– Shreveport, LA

Kinder Morgan•Shreveport, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Specialist-Engineer supports the installation, maintenance, and operation of new and existing gas gathering plant operations by improving efficiency through automation, PLCs, HMIs, and automated controls. The role supports equipment and facilities including NGL recovery, amine treating, glycol and molecular sieve dehydration, propane refrigeration, condensate stabilization, compression, and associated systems such as fans, pumps, air compressors, and cooling towers. Based at Kinder Morgan’s Kinderhawk office in Shreveport, Louisiana, the position works with Automation Engineers, Operations, Technical Services, Environmental Representatives, vendors, and other company groups on system design, troubleshooting, maintenance, commissioning, compliance, and project support. It supports several control platforms, SCADA data transfer, technical training, plant reliability, and safety initiatives. The role has no supervisory responsibility and may perform other duties as assigned. This is a Monday-through-Friday position with potential on-call responsibilities at nights and on weekends. The successful candidate must be available for reasonable responses to callouts and emergencies, carry a company-provided cell phone and laptop, and may travel up to 0–25% on average, including occasional overnight and weekend travel. The work includes outdoor field conditions in all seasons and may involve confined spaces, elevated platforms, ladders, uneven surfaces, low-lit areas, lifting, and use of personal protective equipment.

Requirements

2–5 years of experience in operations, maintenance, and/or capital project support of industrial automation systems.
Familiarity with natural gas processing and compression facilities, including the plant and equipment types described in the posting.
Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, including ladder logic, function block programming, and structured text; experience with Rockwell RSLogix-5 and RSLogix-5000 is required.
Proficiency in HMI development and troubleshooting; experience with WonderWare HMI/SCADA implementation or equivalent is required.
Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Part 192 of the DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations.
Understanding of NFPA 70 electrical safety, including shock and arc-flash safety, Lockout/Tagout, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Working knowledge of portable emissions testing, vibration testing, and other predictive maintenance technologies.
Strong skills with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft operating systems, and general computer applications.
Ability to use MS Project, Maximo, and similar software.
Ability to interpret and design Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), plot plans, piping plans, and piping isometrics.
Strong analytical thinking and troubleshooting skills; ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
Excellent planning, organizational, written, oral, and presentation skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise reports and communicate technical information.
Ability to work effectively with operations groups, support groups, engineering staff, company personnel at all levels, and external organizations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, take direction, prioritize work, follow schedules and work rules, and complete assignments in an acceptable time frame.
Ability to learn, understand, and apply new technologies and to organize, plan, prioritize, document, and complete work independently.
Must be able to perform all essential job functions and speak and understand English fluently.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
Must complete a drug screen and background check after an offer and before employment.
Must tolerate outdoor work in all seasons; frequently enter confined spaces and climb to and work from elevated platforms, ladders, and walkways.
Must be able to lift at least 30 pounds in awkward positions, 50 pounds from floor to waist occasionally, and 51–100 pounds if required; must be able to see, hear, walk, and speak clearly.
Must be able to work in low-lit areas, walk over uneven surfaces, handle deadline-related stress, and wear appropriate PPE.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology or Computer Science, or an associate degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Technology; these are preferred but not required.
Industrial automation experience with project management.
Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Experience with start-up and commissioning of compressor stations and/or industrial facilities.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and resolve automation and compressor-control issues that Operations cannot remedy, including failed starts, shutdowns, and improper equipment operation.
Maintain and troubleshoot equipment, PLC programs, ancillary equipment, Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems, and safety systems.
Maintain and troubleshoot compressor station HMI node programs and provide direct support for HMI hardware.
Provide technical input and assistance during capital project scoping, design review, and commissioning.
Review and implement company standards for PLC programming and HMI development and programming where applicable.
Support SCADA data transfer to Gas Control and company applications, including COMET II.
Support control platforms including WonderWare, RS Panel View, Allen Bradley RSLogix 5 and 5000, GE Fanuc, Reliance, and Siemens.
Assist in establishing and supporting automation standards for reporting to Gas Control.
Support and conduct technical training for Operations Specialists, including E&C Technician advancement reviews.
Advise and support Operations Specialists and site leadership on plant operations and troubleshooting.
Identify opportunities and implement plans to improve plant-system performance and reliability.
Provide technical advice and support to second- and third-party vendors performing specialized work on plant systems.
Support Environmental Representatives and company or contract testing groups in resolving emissions-testing issues.
Implement solutions or corrective actions for issues raised in third-party vendor Technical Service Bulletins.
Participate in Area Reliability Committees and Safety Committees as assigned.
Support identification and prioritization of capital and O&M improvement projects.
Maintain regular, predictable, and on-time attendance and follow safe work practices and the company safety program.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.