Automation Manager

About the role

Kinetik operates in the heart of the Delaware Basin in the Permian, providing gathering, compression, processing, transportation, and water management services for natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil. The company focuses on best‑in‑class service, asset growth through greenfield and acquisition opportunities, and leverages decades of West Texas experience to deliver essential services to customers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the integrity, reliability, and performance of automation and process control equipment for natural gas processing facilities, field compression, measurement, and pipeline operations.
• Provide overall oversight and coordination of automation activities to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations across gas plants, field compression, pipelines, and measurement systems.
• Lead daily efforts of Automation Specialists, ensuring alignment with operations, engineering, and project execution priorities.
• Oversee design, specification, installation, programming, and troubleshooting of automation and process control equipment, including DCS, PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems.
• Ensure preventive maintenance and timely repair of automation systems to maximize uptime and reduce total operating costs.
• Provide direction to Automation Specialists on technical problem‑solving, project execution, and control system standardization.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to support capital project implementation, system upgrades, and controls integration.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to control logic, instrumentation interfaces, and automation architectures to enhance performance and reliability.
• Support compliance with regulatory, cybersecurity, and internal control standards related to automation infrastructure.
• Maintain documentation and change‑management records for control logic, automation equipment, and system configurations.
• Monitor performance and development of assigned personnel; conduct performance reviews and provide coaching as needed.
• Assess staffing needs and recommend resource planning and future workforce requirements to the Director of Automation and OT.
• Participate in the development of automation‑related budgets and support cost control through effective planning and execution.
• Respond to callouts and urgent issues; may assist hands‑on in troubleshooting or support during critical outages.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure all automation activities comply with company policies and industry standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Automation and OT.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 10+ years of related experience in automation or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong diagnostic and repair abilities for complex automation system problems.
• In‑depth knowledge of automation host systems.
• Proficiency in reading electronic schematics, identifying components, and understanding their functions.
• Ability to read, program, install, and troubleshoot complex PLC programs.
• Good computer skills.

Working Conditions

The role involves both office and field environments. Office work includes prolonged periods of sitting and computer use. Field work may expose the employee to adverse or extreme weather, rough and uneven terrain, and moderate to loud noise from machinery. Periodic travel to field locations is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 62 lb. on an occasional basis.
• Ability to safely perform essential job functions in accordance with ADA, FMLA, and other applicable standards.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.