Specialist-Automation & Controls, Sr.

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&ID drawings.

• 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 ProfessionalPlus 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 PCSD standards and structured configuration methodologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency developing graphics in DeltaV Live, including native standard features, scripting, and display topology.
• Strong technical understanding of High-Performance HMI design philosophies, including the use of grayscale graphics for process visualization.
• Demonstrated experience with alarm management, lifecycle configuration, and alarm rationalization workflows.
• Knowledge of PLC ladder logic, Wonderware InTouch, and one or more additional programming languages used in automation.
• Ability to learn new programming skills as needed.
• Experience with standard industrial communication techniques and protocols, including Ethernet, Modbus, Profibus, and other proprietary communication protocols.
• Experience with specification and procurement of physical communication media, including copper, fiber-optic, and radio communications.
• Knowledge and/or application experience with national and international instrumentation, electrical, and controls standards.
• Construction knowledge related to electrically hazardous area applications.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to consistently apply company policies, practices, and regulatory requirements.

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:

• Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, control, and instrumentation drawings, including flow charts, cause/effect diagrams, and Piping and Instrument Drawings, or P&IDs.
• Demonstrated intermediate proficiency with Microsoft applications, including but not limited to Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and information retrieval.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including logical thought processes and the ability to resolve simple to complex issues.
• Ability to organize, schedule, and prioritize workload to meet multiple schedules and objectives on short notice.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with varying deadlines and levels of responsibility.
• Ability to resolve conflict in a win-win manner.
• Ability to work effectively with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to meet performance expectations as defined by the department and customer.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Job level will be commensurate with experience and skill sets. Position will be filled depending on the qualifications, experience, and skill sets of the successful candidate.