I&E Technician (George West/Laredo, TX)

About the role

The Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and monitoring instrumentation, control systems, analytical systems, and distributed control systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant and compressor facility operations. This position performs calibration, preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs of instrumentation and electrical equipment, including temperature, pressure, flow, and level measurement systems, valves, control elements, and related equipment.

Location

This candidate must reside within an hour radius of Laredo or George West, TX.

Responsibilities

• Maintain amine plant and compressor station instrumentation and electrical assets safely and in compliance with regulations and corporate policies, including PLC systems, burner management systems, 480v generators, motors and related equipment.
• Assist with the operation of area amine plants and compressor stations as directed by local supervision.
• Evaluate, develop, implement, and maintain facility grounding systems.
• Mentor fellow employees when the opportunity presents itself.
• Participate in project planning including P&ID development, Cause & Effect development, and Control System design.
• Maintain and optimize communications systems and programmable logic controllers.
• Troubleshoot using P&IDs and loop diagrams.
• Calibrate, test, inspect, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain electronic devices (PLCs, Gas Measurement Meters, transmitters, etc.).
• Provide oversight of on-site contractors and ensure competency, safety, and productivity.
• Continue implementation and enhancement of preventative maintenance programs.
• Carry a company-provided cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours in accordance with company policies.
• Ensure instrumentation control systems and automation systems are calibrated and functioning properly.
• Maintain and safely operate all amine plant and compressor facility instrumentation, measurement devices, and final control elements, such as process control, safety shutdown, and emergency shutdown systems.
• Assess, maintain, repair, and monitor control, analytical systems, and distributed control systems.
• Maintain the performance of temperature, pressure, flow, and level measurement control equipment, as well as valves and single loop controllers.
• Respond to on-call schedule and emergency call-outs as scheduled.
• Perform housekeeping and general maintenance as required.
• Operate a variety of equipment such as hand tools, power tools, and electric meters.
• Manage spare/critical parts inventory to reduce delays or failures.
• Record and complete I&E maintenance reports and service records.
• Maintain a clean work space by removing trash and debris from all areas of responsibility.
• Maintain good and open communication with operators, supervision, vendors, and customers.
• Complete maintenance inspections, checklists, and PMs.
• Participate in Process Safety Management with a heavy emphasis on Instrument and Electrical integrity.
• Participate in safety and environmental training and attend daily briefings.
• Observe company safety and operational procedures and policies.
• Promptly report any observed unsafe conditions to management.
• Use computer/motor-controlled equipment and/or manually turn valves on pipelines and manifolds.
• Prepare and use various documents, including DOT documents where applicable.
• Drive company vehicle to work sites away from base location while maintaining a valid driver’s license.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience with instrumentation and electrical components related to amine plant operations, compressor station operations, gas measurement, and Burner Management Systems.
• Ability to pass an Operation Qualification test after training if necessary.
• General knowledge of 4-20mA control and associated transmitters.
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platforms; ability to connect to and troubleshoot PLC systems using Rockwell software tools.
• Working knowledge of SLC 500, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix control systems; familiarity with PanelView HMIs and FactoryTalk View Studio.
• Knowledge of industrial electrical systems, including 480 VAC three-phase power.
• Ability to safely work with and troubleshoot motors and industrial power distribution equipment.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.
• Must clear a drug screen and a complete background check after an offer is extended and prior to employment.

Skills and Abilities

• Electrical and/or mechanical aptitude.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Email).
• Ability to send and receive email, perform inventory accounting, and enter repair work orders.
• Ability to accept supervision/direction and work cooperatively with others.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English; ability to read and understand English.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations in the performance of duties.
• Ability and dependability to perform job duties with little or no supervision.
• Ability to recognize, define, and effectively resolve problems individually or collectively within a group and in ambiguous situations.
• Must satisfactorily complete all training, including passing evaluations and tests.
• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisors and lead personnel, focus attention on details, follow work rules, and adhere to established work schedules.

Physical Demands

• Ability to manually open and close valves, unload arriving material, lift, carry, or move weights regularly weighing 40–50 lbs. and occasionally up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to walk on paved, gravel, or other uneven surfaces.
• Ability to manipulate and use hand tools in the performance of various maintenance functions.
• Ability to see to perform various administrative and field operator and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, ascend/descend stairs/ladders; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear.
• Capable of climbing heights to maintain equipment.

Working Conditions

• Work schedule as necessary (days, afternoon/evening, night shifts) including overtime and call-outs as may be necessary, including weekends and holidays.
• Rotating shift schedules that operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week on static work sites.
• Work outside in all weather conditions in daylight and darkness.
• Out-of-town travel, sometimes extending to multiple days, is required and anticipated.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant two-year Associate Degree or four-year degree.
• Associate Degree in a technical field, or equivalent skills and experience.
• Prior experience in the petroleum industry, chemical process, power plant, electrical, and/or mechanical experience.
• Work experience in natural gas industry instrumentation, electronics, and control systems.
• Understanding of process controls and gas processing fundamentals.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems.
• Knowledge and experience within a Process Safety Management facility.
• Proficient (perform with limited assistance) with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with Burner Management Systems and Heater/Boilers such as Sigma Thermal, Profire, and Bryan Boilers.