Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation

Job Type:

Regular

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Plains currently has an opening for a Analyst, Electrical & Instrumentation, in our Operations Technical Services group. Reporting to the Supervisor, Automation & Integration, the successful candidate will maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot, and develop Plains’ controls and automation systems. This is a corporate role with a significant field integration requirement. Our ideal candidate is a technically qualified and motivated self-starter who is willing to share knowledge and cross train with peers for support.

Plains provides a top tier group benefit plan for employees and their eligible dependents, and new employees are eligible to participate on the first day of employment.

• Program, update, and modify human machine interfaces (HMIs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as required and prescribed.
• Coordinate with instrumentation and electrical techs to install, configure, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain programmable control processors and SCADA communication equipment.
• Configure enterprise level routers, switches, and firewalls (Cisco, Sonic Wall, etc.).
• Establish SCADA interface through radios, satellite, and leased lines.
• Communicate problems and undertake or coordinate necessary repairs and maintenance.
• Document and describe common and vendor-supplied software required to perform diagnostics and programming.
• Investigate the feasibility of alternate design approaches and analyze data exchange protocols.
• Identify the impact of program changes on existing software and processes; recommend changes to management/supervision on equipment that controls pipeline operations.
• Work with other industry specialists to determine the most suitable applications and programming technologies.
• Maintain and track changes to existing software and hardware pertaining to SCADA systems.
• Perform and document authorized changes while maintaining system integrity.

• Associate degree in engineering technology or electrical / technical certification.
• 3 years’ experience in instrumentation and PLC programming.
• Knowledge of electrical theory and operation as well as motor relay equipment.
• Experience diagnosing communications hardware including radio equipment, satellite, and leased circuits.
• Able to reconfigure existing PLCs and work toward programming new installs.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of data communications interfaces and protocols, with thorough understanding of TCP/IP networks.
• Able to articulate Control Center needs associated with aspects of data acquisition in pipeline operations.
• Able to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs.
• Thorough understanding of electronic controls and PLC/SCADA program development.
• Proficient in AC/DC theory with a complete understanding of total electrical wiring including all inputs and outputs to field devices.
• Competent in basic ladder logic and function block diagram programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Office tools (Word / Excel and Outlook).
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal.
• Able to adapt to a change in work priorities and manage multiple projects with short turnaround times.
• Valid US…