Specialist-Automation & Controls, Sr

Job Description

Primary purpose:
Provide technical leadership and support to gas processing plant and compression operations facilities to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Automation & Control equipment and systems, with a primary focus on the maintenance, administration, and optimization of the Emerson DeltaV Distributed Control System, or DCS. Responsibilities also include supporting employee training and development, capital and O&M budgeting, project execution, and technical support functions.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, administer, and optimize Emerson DeltaV DCS hardware, controller logic, function blocks, HMI graphics, databases, user security, backups, licenses, and software updates.
• Develop and maintain DeltaV configurations using DeltaV PCSD, or Process Control System Design, libraries and standard configuration frameworks.
• Design, configure, and maintain modern HMI displays within the DeltaV Live operations environment, adhering to High-Performance HMI guidelines and grayscale graphics standards to maximize operator situational awareness.
• Manage and troubleshoot the DeltaV virtualization environment, including DeltaV Virtual Studio, virtual machines, host servers, thin clients, and hypervisor networks.
• Participate in and execute Alarm Rationalization initiatives in accordance with Tallgrass standards, ISA-18.2 standards, and applicable industry best practices to minimize alarm flooding and optimize system alerts.
• Integrate third-party PLC systems, subsystems, and field devices into the DeltaV DCS platform using industrial communication protocols, including Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and serial protocols.
• Develop and maintain Rockwell PLC programs.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PC-based HMI automation systems, including Wonderware HMI systems.
• Provide technical support to operations, technicians, and field personnel for control logic, wiring, I/O issues, process control problems, and automation system troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary technical interface for troubleshooting and coordination with third-party automation vendors.
• Participate in Process Safety Management, or PSM, requirements and procedures.
• Develop and manage capital projects, including scope development, planning, budgeting, execution support, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Specify and procure instrumentation, communication media, and automation-related equipment.
• Manage contractor bid processes, contractor selection, and contractor performance during automation projects.
• Provide technical expertise related to instrumentation, electrical systems, automation specifications, and company standards.
• Read and interpret electrical, control, instrumentation, mechanical, process, and P&.
• Maintain awareness and application of company Engineering Standards, Construction Standards, Operations and Maintenance Procedures, Site-Specific Procedures, and applicable governmental safety regulations.
• Evaluate and support implementation of recommended technological advancements for field operations.
• Collaborate with field management and cross-functional teams to resolve administrative, organizational, operational, and technical issues.
• Assist with the ongoing training, testing, and development of area technical employees.
• Identify, report, and help correct safety and environmental concerns.
• Organize work for timely completion while managing multiple assignments with varying deadlines and levels of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with a wide variety of people, using tact, courtesy, clear verbal communication, and active listening.
• Maintain regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Work non-traditional hours as needed and be available after regular work hours when required.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the safety of the general public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements :

Education:

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution in a technical field.
• A minimum of eight years of direct and active work experience in gas processing plant operations, automation, controls, instrumentation, or technical analysis may be considered as a substitute for a degree.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Extensive hands-on experience and advanced knowledge in programming, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Emerson DeltaV DCS systems within a process plant environment.
• Strong understanding of DeltaV system architecture, including Professional Plus stations, Application Stations, control networks, electronic marshalling, and CHARMs.
• Demonstrated experience with DeltaV virtualization infrastructure, including Hyper-V or DeltaV Virtual Studio management.
• In-depth knowledge of Emerson DeltaV…