Instrumentation, Automation, Construction Technician

Instrumentation & Automation (I&A) Construction Technician Location: George West, TX

Reports To: Automation Team Lead Project Overview The Instrumentation & Automation (I&A) Construction Technician is responsible for leading and executing field-based instrumentation and automation construction activities across production facilities. This role focuses on instrumentation, pneumatic and safety systems, panel and field wiring, and AC/DC electrical installations supporting Performance Compressors, Blowcase systems, Instrument Air, Plunger Lift, Gas Lift, and facility Safety Systems.
The technician manages construction crews and delivers high-quality installations, terminations, and commissioning support. While this role does not perform RTU or PLC programming, the technician is expected to have a strong working knowledge of ABB RTU controller hardware, I/O architecture, and termination layouts to effectively support automation projects in collaboration with engineering and automation teams. The role supports FAT/SAT activities and system cutovers to ensure safe, reliable, and optimized production operations. Objectives

• Manage and coordinate Automation & Instrumentation construction crews to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality project execution.
• Collaborate with engineering and automation teams to support RTU-based projects through proper hardware installation and field execution.
• Install, terminate, and verify ABB RTU panels, I/O cards, marshalling panels, and field wiring in accordance with design standards.
• Support integration of field instrumentation and RTU hardware with HMI and SCADA systems (no programming required).
• Deliver fully installed, tested, and documented instrumentation and automation infrastructure.
• Support FAT/SAT activities and Cygnet cutovers by validating field devices, wiring, and panel configurations.

Deliverables

• Installation, termination, and verification of ABB RTU hardware, power supplies, and I/O panels.
• Proper termination, labeling, and documentation of analog, discrete, and communication I/O.
• Installation, tubing, and calibration of transmitters, switches, control valves, and safety devices.
• Installation and testing of pneumatic systems, including regulators, pilots, solenoids, and shutdown valves.
• AC and DC electrical wiring for instrumentation, RTUs, and facility equipment.
• FAT/SAT support documentation, including loop checks, point-to-point checks, and signed test results.
• As-built documentation reflecting field wiring, terminations, and installed equipment.
• Post-cutover verification, troubleshooting reports, and project closeout documentation.
• Knowledge transfer and turnover support for operations and maintenance teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure HSSE standards and safe work practices are upheld during all construction and commissioning activities.
• Oversee daily field activities related to wells, compressors, and production facilities.
• Manage contractor and construction crew activities to ensure compliance with instrumentation, electrical, and facility standards.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, pneumatic systems, safety devices, and field wiring issues.
• Interpret and execute work from P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and termination drawings.
• Perform SCADA- and measurement-related administrative support as required for automation projects.
• Apply and enforce best practices within the instrumentation, electrical, and automation construction disciplines.
• Complete all required training, certifications, and qualifications.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve safety, reliability, and constructability through better instrumentation and field execution.

Qualifications & Technical Expertise Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Vocational training or technical degree in Instrumentation, Electrical, or Automation preferred.

Experience

• Proven experience managing field crews and coordinating I&A construction activities.
• Strong hands-on background in instrumentation installation, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of ABB RTU controller equipment, including hardware components, I/O layouts, and termination practices.
• Experience with panel installation, wiring, and marshalling.
• Experience installing and troubleshooting AC and DC electrical systems.
• Familiarity with pneumatic control systems and facility safety shutdown equipment.
• Understanding of compressor facilities, gas lift systems, and safety interlocks.
• Experience supporting automation projects without performing control logic programming.

Technical Competencies

• Proficient in calibration of transmitters, switches, and control valves.
• Strong understanding of analog and discrete I/O signal types and wiring practices.
• Skilled in FAT/SAT support activities from a hardware and field execution perspective.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, wiring diagrams, loop sheets, and termination drawings.
• Knowledge of grounding, shielding, and panel best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Oil & gas industry experience.
• Background in instrumentation, automation, and industrial telecommunications.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical or engineering discipline.

Risk Management Strategy Risk Identification:
RTU hardware mismatches, wiring or termination errors, pneumatic or safety system failures, communication issues, schedule delays, and resource constraints.
Mitigation:
Early field walkdowns, design and termination reviews, comprehensive FAT/SAT checklists, cross-team coordination, peer reviews, and strong quality control practices.
Monitoring & Reporting:
Maintain an active risk register, conduct weekly construction and commissioning reviews, escalate high-impact risks promptly, and document all mitigation actions.
Contingency Planning:
Defined rollback and correction procedures, offline backups, and clear escalation paths for safety- or production-critical issues. Success Criteria

• Instrumentation, pneumatic, and RTU hardware installations meet design and safety standards with no critical deficiencies.
• All deliverables completed on schedule and meet quality expectations.
• FAT/SAT documentation completed and approved.
• Successful Cygnet cutover with minimal operational impact.
• Positive stakeholder feedback and no unresolved post-deployment issues.

Communication Plan Meetings: Project kickoff, weekly construction updates, technical syncs, FAT/SAT reviews, cutover planning, and closeout.
Channels: Email for formal communication, project management tools for task tracking, instant messaging for real-time coordination, and centralized document repositories.
Reporting: Weekly progress reports, updated risk register, final project report, and cutover execution summary.

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.