Staff Engineer, Automation - Midland, TX

Phillips 66 - Midland, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Midland, TX

Gasoline Stations and Fuel Dealers

About the position

The Automation Staff Engineer is responsible for providing technical support for automation systems across the organization and leading automation projects from field instrumentation to Human Machine Interfaces and data management systems. This role encompasses the architecture of automation systems, equipment specifications, project cost estimates, schedules, and scopes of work. The engineer will support and lead commissioning activities, validate system maintenance events, and produce benefit estimations for optimization projects. Additionally, the engineer will assist asset personnel with day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting, evaluate and deploy new technologies, and manage the system's lifecycle. Adaptability and a focus on continuous improvement are essential for success in this position. The responsibilities include supporting and maintaining Delta V and Foxboro DCS systems, serving as a system administrator for Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Triconex PLC-based control systems, and managing automation systems with WonderWare InTouch and System platform front-end applications. The engineer will also produce and maintain Visual Basic, SQL, and WonderWare scripts for data analysis and reports, manage automation projects, and lead teams of contractors and technical personnel. Furthermore, the engineer will implement and maintain data gathering and reporting infrastructure, alarm management, asset performance monitoring, and user interfaces. Participation in process hazard analysis, cause and effect reviews, and alarm rationalization efforts is also part of the role, along with conducting plant and field optimization reviews and feasibility studies. The Automation Staff Engineer will lead safety-critical automation projects, ensuring adherence to company and industry practices, particularly regarding Burner Management Systems and ESD systems. The role includes developing standard drawings and specifications for control panels, supporting electrical design efforts, and overseeing electrical construction projects. The engineer will also assist other groups with their projects, participate in incident investigations, and lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for automation systems to ensure compliance with Phillips 66 guidelines and requirements. Overall, this position plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the automation systems that support Phillips 66's operations.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain Delta V and Foxboro DCS systems in multiple areas.
• Serve as system administrator for Siemens, Allen Bradley and Triconex PLC based control systems.
• Maintain and manage Automation systems with WonderWare InTouch and System platform front end applications.
• Support and sustain CTI/Siemens/TI PLC installations and serve as support resource for the Automation group in other areas.
• Produce and maintain Visual Basic, SQL, and WonderWare scripts for data analysis and reports.
• Manage automation projects and lead teams of contractors and technical personnel.
• Lead efforts to implement and maintain data gathering and data reporting infrastructure companywide.
• Implement and maintain reporting structure for alarm management and asset performance monitoring.
• Implement and maintain asset historians and user interfaces.
• Design, implement and maintain BPCS graphics following situational awareness practices.
• Review, improve and implement control strategies.
• Participate in process hazard analysis, cause and effect reviews and alarm rationalization efforts.
• Conduct plant and field optimization reviews and feasibility studies as well as expansion studies.
• Lead safety critical automation projects and ensure adherence to company and industry practices, with emphasis on Burner Management Systems and ESD systems.
• Develop standard drawings and specifications for control panels.
• Support electrical design efforts and oversee electrical construction projects.
• Support integration efforts focused on data collection and system optimization.
• Assist other groups with their projects as necessary and help them troubleshoot systems.
• Participate in incident investigations, various kinds of meetings, training and commercial support.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) on automation systems to ensure compliance with Phillips 66 guidelines and requirements.
• Lead and sign off on Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for commissioning of Automation Systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and develop data management solutions using OSI Soft PI.

Requirements

• Bachelors in Engineering - preferably Electrical, Chemical and/or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5 years of experience in Automation and Process Control for Natural Gas & NGL processing facilities.
• Strong Windows OS administration skills.
• Competent in all Microsoft Office tools.
• Proficient in understanding and developing control configuration using function blocks, ladder logic, and structured text languages.
• Great people skills with a great bedside manner and ready to work with various kinds of people.
• Strong knowledge of SQL language or willing to develop such skillset.
• Familiarity with Foxboro and Delta V applications or willing to develop such skillset.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to drive company vehicles.
• Willing to travel 20%-40% of the time with sporadic continuous periods of 1-2 months.

Benefits

• Annual Variable Cash Incentive Program (VCIP) bonus
• 8% 401k company match
• Cash Balance Account pension
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with an annual company contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees on HDHP
• Total well-being programs and incentives, including Employee Assistance Plan, well-being reimbursement, and backup family care services