Automation Controls Engineer

Title: Automation Controls Engineer

FSLA status: Exempt

Location: Galliano LA

Revision Date: September 2024

Summary Description

Motivated individual looking for opportunities for growth, potential leadership, and expansion into evolving technologies. The Automation Specialist is responsible for the development, design, programming, integration, testing, troubleshooting and commissioning of instrumentation and control system devices which includes, but is not limited to the following: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Transmitters, Flow Computers, PID Control Loops, Wiring, Switches, Densitometers, Data Communications with both internal and/or external Customers, and Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems.

This role supports Operations, Maintenance, SCADA administrators, Oil Movement Controllers (OMC’s), Engineering, Loss Controls (Measurements), Cybersecurity, and internal/external Customers by providing technical expertise and high level troubleshooting of Control Systems and Instrumentation equipment.

The Automation Specialist position also supports Project Management for both Capital and Expense projects. Coordinates with contractors, consultants and support personnel in the design, fabrication, installation, and testing of Instrumentation and Control systems. Ensures projects are within budget and meet scheduling requirements. Supports the Management of Change (MOC) process and ensures all aspects of the MOC are complete.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide input into LOOP’s Technology strategy and supports equipment lifecycle replacement.
• Provide support for Engineering on projects with Instrumentation and Control system requirements.
• Manage projects within the Instrumentation and Controls group.
• Provide High Level Technical Support for Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, SCADA, OMCs, and Loss Controls.
• Troubleshoot Instrumentation and Control systems, develop logic and/or configuration, communications for both internal and external customers, and system implementation (Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, and Point to Point testing). Redline field drawings and Instrumentation and Control system documentation.
• Develop secure data interfacing configuration and/or programming via specialized communication modules for both internal and external customers (Customer Data, Peer to Peer data links, etc.).
• Interface with Network Engineers on Operational Technology (OT) network connections providing a secure interface. Knowledge of Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity associated with Instrumentation and Control system devices is a plus.
• Calibrate and/or program Instrumentation and Control System devices (level transmitters, pressure and temperature transmitters, densitometers, etc.).
• Develop and/or edit documentation associated with Instrumentation and Control system devices (IO List, Functionality Documents, Safe Charts, P&ID, Instrumentation wiring and loop diagrams, Cause and Effect Charts, etc.).
• Support Management of Change (MOC) for Instrumentation and Control system devices.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology (Electrical, Automation, Control Systems, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field.

Experience: Some experience required. Five (5) years of experience preferred in automation, instrumentation, and project management. Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and failure analysis is preferred, with emphasis on PLC, HMI, Flow Computer, and PID Control loops.

Licensure/Certification: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Field Presence: Up to 50% required field presence.

Required Competencies: These competencies are essential in successful completion of all facets of this role.

• Accountability- Conscientious and diligent in executing work plans so that schedules and quality standards are met. Provides immediate feedback and coaching to employees on performance, recognizing exceptional efforts and addressing improvement needs. Present and available to employees, providing input and guidance as needed.
• Customer Connectivity- Works to be as responsive to internal customers as to external customers. Makes every effort to meet commitments that have been made to customers and alerts others if commitments may be delayed or cannot be met. Creative in developing solutions to customers’ issues and concerns.
• Shared Mindset- Encourages direct reports and peers to keep the Company’s vision in mind. Not hesitant to raise questions or constructively present challenges or differences of opinion with other leaders. Once consensus is reached, is willing to communicate the results, even if different than his/her personal view. Shares information with rest of leadership team on how strategy and vision are being received and implemented by employees.
• Teamwork/Collaboration- Listens to others and values different viewpoints. Promotes an atmosphere of teamwork and encourages welcoming of newcomers. Actively participates in project/Performance Based Goal Teams and supports participation by direct reports, helping to meet tactical plan objectives.
• Computer Skills- Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, and uses computers to improve productivity. Able to diagnose computer issues associated with Instrumentation and Control system devices. Knowledge of Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity associated with Instrumentation and Control system devices is a plus.
• Leadership Skills – Responsible for implementing strategies that team members use to both define and achieve a goal, delegating tasks based on each member’s strengths and skills and offering the training necessary to complete certain tasks. Able to inspire and motivate team members with regular encouragement, keeping the enthusiasm going by providing individualized coaching when needed.
• Listening Skills- Listens attentively to others, asks clarifying questions, actively listens, stays open to other viewpoints, and manages distractions and interruptions.
• Project Management- Establishes project goals, milestones, and procedures, defines roles and responsibilities, acquires project resources, coordinates projects throughout company, monitors project progress, and manages multiple projects.
• Self-Development- Seeks out and accepts feedback, is a proactive learner, takes on tough assignments to improve skills, keeps knowledge and skills up-to-date, turns mistakes into learning opportunities.
• Teamwork- Meets all team deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
• Problem Solving/Analysis- Breaks down problems into smaller components, understands underlying issues, can simplify and process complex issues, and understands the difference between critical details and unimportant facts.
• Technical Skills/Knowledge- Has necessary job knowledge and keeps knowledge current, understands specialty equipment, is a technical resource for others, follows technology practices and standards, understands company mission/values, and is in command of critical issues.
• Safety & Environmental- Promotes mutual respect, keeps workplace clean and safe, supports Company safety and environmental programs through observation of safety and environmental procedures and taking appropriate action to report observation of potentially unsafe conditions.

Essential Physical Requirements:

This position routinely requires eight hour (8) days and 40 hours/week.

Employee must meet the physical standards expressed in the LOOP Occupational Health Assessment to be physically qualified to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of an Instrumentation & Communication Technician at the LOOP Marine Terminal.

Physical Requirements:

Maximum Hours Required At One Time

A. Sit 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

B. Stand 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

C. Walk 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Required to Lift: NONE OCCASIONALLY FREQUENTLY CONNTINUOUSLY

1. Up to 10 pounds X
2. Up to 25 pounds X
3. Up to 50 pounds X

Required to Carry: NONE OCCASIONALLY FREQUENTLY CONNTINUOUSLY

1. UP TO 5 LBS. X
2. 6 TO 10 LBS. X
3. 11 TO 21 LBS. X
4. 21 TO 25 LBS. X
5. 26 TO 50 LBS. X

Repetitive Hand Action Required (with dominant hand):

SIMPLE GRASPING PUSHING & PULLING FINE MANIPULATING

X YES ___NO X YES___NO X YES___NO

Repetitive Foot Action Required

Incumbent Required to Use Feet For Repetitive Movements As In Operating Foot Controls:

RIGHT LEFT _ BOTH X N/A

Incumbent Must Be Able To:

NOT AT ALL OCCASIONALLY FREQUENTLY CONTINUOUSLY

1. BEND X
2. SQUAT X
3. CRAWL X
4. CLIMB X
5. REACH ABOVE

SHOULDER

LEVEL X

Incumbent Must Be Able To Work Around:

NOT AT ALL OCCASIONALLY FREQUENTLY CONTINUOUSLY

1. UNPROTECTED

HEIGHTS X

1. MOVING MACHINERY X
2. DRIVE AUTOMOTIVE

EQUIPMENT X

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of duties, skills, and responsibilities.