Automation Specialist

About the role

The Automation Specialist II supports automation, controls, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities across Oil & Gas pipeline and compression facilities nationwide. This hands-on field role focuses on designing, programming, integrating, and maintaining industrial control systems that support pipeline transportation and compression operations. The position involves extensive travel to remote and operating facilities across the United States, working both independently and collaboratively to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical energy infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement industrial control systems that support pipeline and compressor station operations.
• Develop PLC programs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text for industrial applications.
• Configure, test, and troubleshoot Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications for field and control room operations.
• Create and maintain control narratives, I/O lists, bills of materials (BOMs), and detailed control system documentation.
• Design communication networks utilizing Ethernet/IP and other industrial networking protocols to connect PLCs, HMIs, and field devices.
• Support SCADA system integration and data communication between pipeline and compression facilities.
• Lead field commissioning and startup activities at operating pipeline and compressor station facilities.
• Execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), loop checks, and functional testing to validate control system performance.
• Develop test procedures and simulation logic to confirm proper operation of automation and control systems.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, instrumentation, and communication issues during startup and commissioning.
• Verify that control systems meet design specifications, operational requirements, and safety standards.
• Respond to service calls and emergency outages to restore control system functionality and minimize downtime.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, instrumentation, networking, and controls failures in the field.
• Support planned shutdowns, turnarounds, maintenance projects, and facility upgrades related to automation and controls.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field personnel to successfully execute projects on schedule and within scope.
• Participate in customer meetings to define project requirements, operating objectives, and technical expectations.
• Provide technical training and guidance for operations and maintenance teams on control systems and automation equipment.
• Mentor junior automation and controls personnel to develop their technical skills and field competence.
• Contribute automation and controls expertise to proposal development and technical scope reviews.
• Consistently apply industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout, hazardous energy control, and permit-to-work systems, during all field activities.
• Perform job safety analyses and follow process safety management principles when working around natural gas compression equipment, high-pressure pipelines, and electrical systems.
• Adhere to hot work procedures, confined space awareness, and other safety requirements while working in operating facilities.

Requirements

• Minimum 4+ years of industrial automation and controls experience.
• Minimum 4+ years of PLC programming experience in industrial environments.
• Proven experience supporting Oil & Gas, pipeline, compressor stations, midstream, power generation, chemical processing, or other industrial facilities.
• Experience supporting startup and commissioning activities for automation and control systems.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline; or an Associate Degree in a technical field with relevant experience; or equivalent industrial automation experience in lieu of formal education.
• Strong proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
• Hands-on experience using Studio 5000 and RSLogix for PLC programming and configuration.
• Solid understanding of industrial networking, including Ethernet/IP, managed switches, and network troubleshooting.
• Practical knowledge of industrial instrumentation, including pressure, temperature, flow, and level devices.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, loop sheets, and control narratives.
• Demonstrated commitment to industrial safety and compliance, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical safety practices, hazardous energy control, job safety analysis (JSA), and permit-to-work systems.
• Awareness of confined space requirements, hot work procedures, and process safety management (PSM) principles.
• Physical ability to walk extended distances, climb ladders and stairs, lift and carry equipment, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and stand for extended periods.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of industrial automation experience, especially in field-based roles, is preferred.
• Oil & Gas pipeline operational experience is highly beneficial.
• Compressor station controls experience is a strong asset.
• SCADA system experience, including integration and troubleshooting, is preferred.
• Ignition SCADA platform experience is advantageous.
• AutoCAD proficiency for reviewing and updating drawings is beneficial.
• Experience with gas measurement and custody transfer systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of alarm management principles and control system cybersecurity practices is an asset.
• Previous leadership or technical lead experience in automation and controls is preferred.
• Ability to mentor and train junior personnel and operations staff on automation systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently at remote field locations.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with project teams, operations personnel, and customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 90% of the time to pipeline and compression facilities across the U.S.