Automation Specialist II

The Mid-Level Automaton Technician possesses entry-level technical skills complemented by advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities. This role involves explaining control logic functionality and solutions for system operational conditions that impact performance. The technician begins acquiring entry-level integrator skills and utilizes engineering design documents to commission control systems, validate control loops, confirm control logic functionality, configure end devices, and test alarms.

Primary Purpose: The technician is responsible for the installation, programming, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automation equipment.

Roles and Responsibilities
- Maintain and repair a variety of automation and electrical equipment related to upstream onshore oil and gas operations.
- Provide on-site automation support for upstream onshore oil and gas operations.
- Serve as a technical resource for facility control systems and field instrumentation, including level, pressure, flow, and vibration instruments.
- Ensure maintenance activities comply with industry and corporate Process Control standards.
- Adhere to PLC programming practices, standards, and Management of Change (MOC) procedures.
- Identify issues with instrumentation and control systems to find opportunities for strategic improvements.
- Utilize CMMS tools like SAP to support maintenance operations.

Required Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Competencies
- Education: 2-year degree in Instrumentation or Automation Technology (GPA 2.5 or higher, or foreign equivalent) or equivalent technical experience with a strong safety record.
- Experience: 3+ years as an Automation Specialist; 3+ years in the oil field.
- Technical Knowledge:
 +Advanced knowledge of well RTU designs, programming, and troubleshooting.
 +Proficient in analog and discrete instrumentation and serial/ethernet communications protocols.
 +Familiar with technical standards and guidelines (API, NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ISA, etc.).
 +Intermediate skills in maintaining PLC programs (function block, ladder logic, structured text) and HMI interfaces.
- Work Environment: Ability to work 12-hour shifts (nights, weekends, holidays) and participate in an on-call rotation. Willingness to travel to unassigned job areas and work in aerial manlift platforms.
- Safety: Demonstrated ability to work safely around instrumentation and electrical systems.
- Independence: Capable of working responsibly with minimal supervision.
- Technology Skills: Intermediate proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Windows Operating Systems.

Preferred Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Automation (GPA 3.0 or higher, or foreign equivalent).
- Experience: 7+ years in the oil field; 3+ years in upstream oil and gas automation.
- Technical Expertise: Experience with Allen-Bradley and Rosemount systems; ability to interpret Cause & Effects, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and control narratives.
- Network Troubleshooting: Intermediate skills in troubleshooting control networks for well sites and facilities (ControlNet, Ethernet I/P, Network Switches, fiber optics, RF communications).
- Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal abilities with effective communication skills for engaging management, technical teams, and field personnel.
- Collaboration: Ability to build positive, trust-based relationships and collaborate across organizational boundaries to achieve goals.
- Listening Skills: Actively listens and welcomes new ideas, influences positive performance, and drives results.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.

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