Specialist-Automation & Controls, Sr.

About the role

The Automation & Controls Sr. Specialist will be part of the Cheyenne Power Hub Project Engineering Team, responsible for reviewing technical work by the contractor(s) and providing technical guidance and assurance for the capital project. The role focuses on DCS, FGS design and process control of power generation and transmission facilities, including producing and reviewing PFDs, interlock diagrams, cause and effect diagrams, instrument data sheets, and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and approves control systems engineering deliverables from the EPC Contractor.
• Prepares/reviews Automation & Controls design and engineering deliverables including P&IDs, Instrument Index, Instrument Specifications, and assists with development of Design Drawings including Control System Architecture, Control Panel Layouts with BOM, Power Junction Box (PJB), Instrument Junction Box (IJB), Instrument Loop Wiring Diagrams, Control Schematics, Cable Schedules, Instrument Installation Details, and Instrument Location Plans.
• Reviews Automation & Controls drawings and specifications and other disciplines' deliverables including Piping's 3-D Model and Isometrics checks, Electrical Cable & Conduits for compliance with project needs.
• Reviews field in-line and offline instrument calculations and datasheets (SPI/InTools), requisitioning, bid evaluations.
• Maintains oversight of all design drawings (installation details, instrument index and database, wiring and loop diagrams, etc.).
• Specifies DCS/PLC systems design and configuration.
• Initiates and optimizes cost-effective instrumentation and control designs.
• Develops and performs control system studies to support selection among design alternatives, including economics and financial criteria.
• Interprets and verifies industry standards, guidelines, and codes for project deliverables.
• Prepares technical reports related to specific design issues.
• Provides control systems engineering technical guidance and assurance for capital projects.
• Contributes to development of design documents including Statement of Requirements, Basis of Design, Scope of Work and Deliverables.
• Works with the Contractor during specification, tender, selection, purchase, installation & commissioning of instruments to provide Apache technical integrity assurance.
• Serves as a key contributor during HAZID, HAZOP, QRA studies.
• Provides facility start-up assistance as required.
• Proactively works on best practices, engineering guidelines and internal procedures.
• Provides support during construction to ensure site technical queries, non-conformances, concession requests are properly resolved.
• Evaluates requests for deviations or exemptions to the established specifications and standards.
• Provides leadership in addressing process control issues with considerations of cost, schedule, and quality.
• Develops and maintains automation systems.
• Develops and maintains PC-based HMI automation systems.
• Specifies communications equipment necessary for computer automation systems, including Ethernet (TCP and UDP), Modbus, Profibus, Control Net, DH+, as well as physical media (fiber optic, copper, and radio).
• Provides technical expertise in instrument, electrical, and/or automation specifications and standards as required.
• Organizes work for timely completion and is available for work after regular hours if required.
• Manages multiple assignments with various deadlines and responsibility levels concurrently.
• Maintains regular, dependable attendance, is self-motivated and maintains a high level of performance.
• Demonstrates awareness of industry engineering standards, construction standards, operations and maintenance procedures, site-specific procedures, and governmental safety regulations.
• Serves as the primary interface, troubleshooter, and coordinator with third-party automation vendors.
• Communicates clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listens carefully.
• Maintains a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.

Qualifications

• Education: BS in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Chemical).
• Experience/Specific Knowledge: Minimum 15 years’ experience in a power company, E/C Company, or oil & gas company with Automation & Controls duties.
• Knowledge of power plants, natural gas processing plants, and compression automation and the instrumentation necessary for this automation.
• Experience and knowledge of standard communication techniques utilized in the automation industry.
• Knowledge and/or application experience with national and international instrument, electrical, and controls standards.
• Construction knowledge working in electrically hazardous area applications.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to consistently apply company policies, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Certifications, Licenses & Registrations: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with and ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical blueprints and diagrams, including flow charts, cause/effect diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency with Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and information retrieval.
• Problem-solving skills, including logical thought processes, with the ability to resolve simple to complex issues.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and prioritize workload to meet various schedules and objectives on short notice.
• Ability to resolve conflict in a win-win manner.
• Adhere to performance expectations as defined by the Department and Customer.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work.

Physical Demands

• Capable of manual material handling, including lifting up to 38 pounds from the floor to overhead.
• Able to carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds for up to 100 feet.
• Able to perform whole body movements such as sitting, standing, walking, climbing ladders, and climbing stairs as required for job duties.
• Must have upper extremity mobility for reaching overhead, shoulder, waist, knee, and floor-level activities, including reaching above shoulder and at waist level.
• Capable of fine motor movements, grasping, pinching, and operating vibratory tools as needed.
• Able to bend, twist, pivot, and perform lateral flexion of the lumbar spine, as well as neck extension, flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion.
• Must have the physical ability to stoop, crouch, kneel, and crawl in various environmental conditions.
• Able to work in environments with exposure to wet, hot, cold, ambient temperature, whole body vibration, and loud noise.

Working Conditions

• Based in Houston office location.
• Travel may be required up to 20% of the time; motor vehicle and occasional air travel anticipated.
• Required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

Benefits

• Industry competitive pay.
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts.
• Infertility Coverage.
• Parental Leave.
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%.
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources.
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance.
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off.
• Identity theft protection.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program.
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays.
• Company vehicle (if applicable).
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more.
• Networking and employee engagement events.
• Personal development to grow career based on strengths and interests.