Specialist - Engineer / Tech (Wharton/Victoria/Yoakum, TX) (Finance)

Position Description

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, program, implement and support monitoring and control systems utilized in the operation of natural gas pipeline compressor stations and related facilities.
• Design, program, test and maintain PLC/RTU based automation systems (Primarily Allen Bradley PLC, Siemens PLC and Bristol Babcock 33xx RTU systems).
• Design, program, test and maintain PC based HMI systems (Primarily Wonderware/AVEVA InTouch 9.5, InTouch 2012, InTouch 2014R2 and InTouch 2020 systems).
• Design and implement automation system networks, including specifying and configuring communications protocols, communications media and associated hardware.
• Read and interpret electrical, control and instrumentation drawings and provide reviews of design/construction drawing packages.
• Interface with other technical/engineering disciplines to ensure the effective integration of automation systems with the overall product design.
• Provide technical expertise in mechanical, instrument, electrical, and/or automation specifications and standards as required.
• Specify and procure instrumentation and controls related equipment used in automation systems.
• Provide on-site services, including oversight of system installation, leading commissioning efforts and supplying troubleshooting support as required.
• Provide engineering support to Operations and Technical Support Personnel for all related software and hardware, including end devices.
• Accountable for completing tasks with quality, compliance with applicable codes and standards, and on schedule.
• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets.

Position Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Systems Integration or related/applicable experience. Experience should be heavily weighted towards programming, commissioning and maintaining complex industrial control systems.
• Extensive, proven experience in successfully designing and programming Allen Bradley and/or Siemens PLC systems.
• Proven experience in configuring and developing HMI applications in various versions of Wonderware InTouch and in utilizing ArchestrA System Platform.
• Ability to learn additional and/or new programming languages and skills as needed.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings and diagrams, electrical schematics, piping and instrument drawings (P&IDs), flow charts and cause and effect diagrams.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimal guidance or supervision.
• Proficiency in basic engineering skills and possession of well developed analytical and problem solving skills to address complex technical matters.
• Must maintain a high degree of attention to detail while managing multiple assignments with various deadlines and responsibility levels.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with both company and non-company personnel to accomplish goals.
• PC-based skills, including MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Power Point and Project).
• Travel (5% - 50%), often overnight, to contractor or Kinder Morgan sites for system installation, commissioning and maintenance, as well as to attend meetings and conferences. Weekend travel is occasionally required.
• Required to carry a company-provided cell phone and be available to respond during working hours and occasionally during non-working hours.
• Must be aware of company and government safety regulations and maintain a high regard for the safety of company employees and assets, and the general public.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Preferred:

• Knowledge and experience in the design and operation of automation systems for natural gas facilities, including compressor stations, storage facilities and processing facilities.
• Experience in designing and implementing communications networks, utilizing a variety of communication protocols, including but not limited to Ethernet, ControlNet, DH+, DF-1, Modbus and Profibus.
• Experience with designing and specifying physical media used in communications, including but not limited to copper cabling, fiber optic cabling and radio transmission.
• Design and construction knowledge of electrical hazardous area applications (Class 1, Div 1 and 2).
• Knowledge and/or application experience with national and international instrument, electrical and controls standards.
• Specific knowledge and application experience as a project manager in a commercial environment.
• Working knowledge of and programming skills for the Bristol Babcock 33xx and ControlWave series of controllers.
• Individual should have 2-5 years of experience in operations, maintenance or capital project support of industrial automation systems.
• An Associate's degree in Electronics or Computer Technology is preferred, but not required.
  
• Individual will be familiar with the operations, maintenance and capital project support of industrial equipment.
• Position will require knowledge of natural gas compression facilities, rotating machinery including reciprocating engines/compressors, gas turbines and/or electric motor driven centrifugal compressors, ancillary support systems such as air systems, jacket water systems, high volt electrical distribution systems.
• Individual should have an understanding of the National Electric Code (NEC), and Part 192 of the DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations.
• Individual should have an understanding of NFPA 70E; arc flash, arc blast and required PPE.
• Individual should have an understanding of API Recommended Practice 500.
• Individual must learn to train Operations technicians in the basics of plant operations and troubleshooting. • Individual must have experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting, including ladder logic, function block programming and structured text.
• Individual must have experience working in 480 MCC panels.
• Proven analytical and trouble shooting skills.
• Working knowledge of reciprocating engine and compressor performance and maintenance analysis.
• Working knowledge of vibration testing and other predictive technologies.
• Working knowledge of portable emissions testing.
• Individual must be a disciplined, self-starter who is capable of working with minimal direct supervision.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• Be available for and provide technical support and/or Emergency Response after regular business hours which will require carrying a communication device.

• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.