I&C Specialist - Plant Daniel & Chevron CoGen

About the role

This position is accountable for providing technical direction for the design of control systems, logic configuration, installation of systems, and troubleshooting system problems on distributed/process control systems at MPC Plant Daniel and MPC Plant Chevron. The incumbent will be responsible for providing ongoing inspection, evaluation, and tuning of control systems and for determining the appropriate direction on design and performance improvements, upgrades, and other modifications to plant instrumentation and control systems including NERC/CIP requirements. The incumbent will work closely with the Operations Department to identify and correct shortcomings in the plant control systems and serve as the expert on issues surrounding control systems. They will also collaborate with System Owners/Engineers to ensure systems and projects are up to date with the latest technologies and maintained to the latest standards. This role ensures compliance with Technical Standards related to Controls and NERC CIP, confirms adherence to Management of Change processes, and leads efforts related to Alarm Management.

Job Requirements

• Four-year degree, a two-year technical certification, or associate’s degree in instrumentation and controls, electronics, or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Experience in electronics, instrumentation, logic configuration, and distributed/process control systems is required.
• Knowledge of PLCs, cybersecurity standards, and data analysis tools is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Emerson Ovation Distributed Control Systems and/or GE Mark VI Turbine Control Systems.
• Experience in Industrial Plant Operations or Maintenance is a plus.
• Ability to plan control system migrations for future plant needs to provide reliable boiler and/or turbine controls.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions with limited information.
• Skilled in developing and maintaining good relationships with operations, maintenance, and support personnel.
• Exhibits strong leadership skills including communication, critical thinking, and willingness to challenge the status quo.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical direction for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, tuning, and calibration activities necessary to ensure control systems function properly.
• Maintains adequate and up-to-date backups of all configurations.
• Leads the design and installation of new equipment and the retrofit of existing equipment.
• Troubleshoots and develops solutions to repair plant instrumentation and control systems and system protection equipment.
• Performs periodic inspections of the control rooms to determine the status of equipment.
• Manages a preventive maintenance and calibration program for instrumentation and control systems.
• Develops and manages functional tests for control systems.
• Available for call-out responsibilities on a 24-hour basis to address priority maintenance needs.
• Stays abreast of state-of-the-art technology, electrical equipment innovations, unit operations, and maintenance procedures.
• Directs modifications, specifications, installation, and configuration of control systems as required.
• Provides feedback to management regarding problems associated with plant and system controls.
• Conducts investigations to determine causes of trips and similar events and, when appropriate, develops measures to avoid recurrence.
• Assists in the development of plans to increase the skill levels of craft employees and in teaching and training to ensure they reach the desired skill level.
• Takes ownership and accountability as a technology owner for I&C equipment, including managing and maintaining a budget for I&C expenditures, prioritizing expenses, providing expertise when problems arise, seeking improvements in equipment operation, reviewing alternative equipment, and providing budgetary input regarding other systems.
• Provides excellent customer service by finding timely solutions to issues or concerns while ensuring all appropriate processes (Management of Change, NERC CIP, etc.) are adhered to.