Automation Specialist

About the Role

Oxy, a global leader in oil, natural gas, and carbon management, is seeking an experienced Automation Specialist to join our Permian EOR Plants group in Denver City, TX. This role is crucial in maintaining and optimizing automation systems, ensuring plant efficiency, and supporting the team with technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance activities, manage vendors, and support services at a local level.
• Represent the Automation team in plant maintenance-related correspondence.
• Understand and support plant processes, equipment, and design.
• Conduct corrective and predictive maintenance on all automation equipment.
• Track and report maintenance costs.
• Provide accurate quotes for automation and maintenance projects.
• Ensure PM documentation is accurate, complete, and centrally stored.
• Support operational and maintenance activities for plant analyzers (GCs, CEMS, Dewpoint, O2).
• Communicate maintenance activities with the Plant Planner and Scheduler Team.
• Mentor and train junior Automation Technicians on process flow, PLC, HMI, and end device troubleshooting.
• Provide automation support during outages and ensure no out-of-compliance work orders.
• Offer DCS and PLC troubleshooting support.
• Provide analytical support and input on new technologies.
• Maintain plant orderliness, including PLC programs, panel wiring, and automation equipment cleanliness.

Skills

• Expert understanding of automation and electrical design principles.
• Knowledge of PSSRs and MOCs.
• Extensive expertise in EOR safe work systems.
• Proficiency in Electrical/Automation construction codes and practices.
• Understanding of material specifications and application.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and work effectively in a team.
• Advanced computer skills (MS Office Suite, Oxy proprietary software, etc.).
• Knowledge of tagging conventions, programming simulation, and testing.
• Strong time management, written, oral, and project management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of DCS and PLC, including digital and analog I/O, programming, and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• 2-year technical degree or equivalent working experience required.
• Expert knowledge of oil and gas automation systems.
• Competent knowledge of oil and gas process facilities.
• Minimum of 5 years of Oil and Gas experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of Oil and Gas Automation experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of well RTU designs, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Intermediate knowledge of analog and discrete instrumentation, and various serial and Ethernet communication protocols.
• Intermediate knowledge of technical standards and guidelines (API, NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ISA, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of maintaining PLC programs in function block, ladder logic, and structured text.
• Basic knowledge of maintaining local HMI operator interfaces.
• Ability and willingness to travel to unassigned job areas as needed.
• Ability to work safely around instrumentation and electrical systems with limited supervision.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• 5+ years of Oil and Gas experience with a strong electrical background and state-accredited license.
• 1+ years of upstream oil and gas automation experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley & Rosemount equipment.
• Ability to read and understand Cause & Effects, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control narratives.
• Basic ability to troubleshoot control networks for well sites, well pads, tank batteries, saltwater disposal, and compressor stations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with management, technical, and field personnel.

Oxy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring the health and safety of its employees, protecting the environment, and positively impacting communities.