Automation Specialist

Mid-Level Automation Technician

Position Summary: The Mid-Level Automation Technician brings a combination of foundational technical skills and advanced troubleshooting capabilities. This role is responsible for diagnosing and resolving control logic issues, commissioning control systems, validating control loops, configuring end devices, and testing alarms using engineering design documentation. The technician also begins to develop integrator-level skills.

Primary Purpose:To install, program, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automation and control systems supporting upstream onshore oil and gas operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and repair a wide range of automation and electrical equipment.
• Provide on-site automation support for oil and gas production facilities.
• Serve as a technical resource for control systems and field instrumentation (e.g., level, pressure, flow, vibration).
• Ensure compliance with industry and corporate process control standards.
• Follow PLC programming standards and Management of Change (MOC) procedures.
• Identify and implement improvements in instrumentation and control systems.
• Utilize CMMS tools (e.g., SAP) to manage maintenance operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Instrumentation or Automation Technology (GPA 2.5+), or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as an Automation Specialist.
• Minimum 3 years of oil field experience.
• Advanced knowledge of RTU design, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient in analog/discrete instrumentation and communication protocols (serial, Ethernet).
• Familiarity with industry standards (API, NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ISA).
• Intermediate proficiency in PLC programming (ladder logic, function block, structured text).
• Experience with local HMI interfaces.
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations.
• Ability to travel and work in various field environments, including aerial platforms and confined spaces.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Windows OS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation (GPA 3.0+).
• 7+ years of oil field experience.
• 3+ years of upstream oil and gas automation experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and Rosemount systems.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, Cause & Effect diagrams, wiring schematics, and control narratives.
• Intermediate troubleshooting skills for control networks (ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, fiber optics, RF).

Soft Skills & Competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and departments.
• Active listener who values diverse perspectives.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Committed to safety and continuous improvement.

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.