Essential Duties and Responsibilities:The Automation Manager oversees the integrity, reliability, and performance of automation and process control equipment associated with natural gas processing facilities, field compression, measurement, and pipeline operations. The Automation Manager plays a key role in the implementation, programming, and troubleshooting of control systems, and works closely with Operations, Engineering, and the Automation & OT team to ensure optimal system performance. This position is responsible for managing automation personnel, supporting strategic initiatives, and maintaining alignment with company standards and operating procedures.
- Provides overall oversight and coordination of automation activities to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations across gas plants, field compression, pipelines, and measurement systems
- Leads the daily efforts of Automation Specialists, ensuring alignment with operations, engineering, and project execution priorities
- Oversees the design, specification, installation, programming, and troubleshooting of automation and process control equipment, including DCS, PLCs, RTUs, and HMI systems
- Ensures preventive maintenance and timely repair of automation systems to maximize uptime and reduce total operating costs
- Provides direction to Automation Specialists regarding technical problem-solving, project execution, and control system standardization
- Partners with operations and engineering teams to support capital project implementation, system upgrades, and controls integration
- Evaluates and implements improvements to control logic, instrumentation interfaces, and automation architectures to enhance performance and reliability
- Supports compliance with regulatory, cybersecurity, and internal control standards related to automation infrastructure
- Maintains documentation and change management records for control logic, automation equipment, and system configurations
- Monitors the performance and development of assigned personnel; completes performance reviews and provides coaching as needed
- Assesses staffing needs and provides recommendations to the Director of Automation and OT on resource planning and future workforce requirements
- Participates in the development of automation-related budgets and supports cost control through effective planning and execution
- Responds to callouts and urgent issues as required; may assist hands-on in troubleshooting or support during critical outages
- Promotes safe work practices and ensures all automation activities are conducted in accordance with company policies and industry standards
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Automation and OT
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: - Education: High School Diploma or GED
- 10 + years of related experience in Automation or related field
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Excellent diagnostic and repair skills for complex problems in automation systems
- Excellent knowledge of automation host systems
- Skillful in reading electronic schematics, identifying components, and understanding their functions
- Able to read, program, install and troubleshoot complex PLC programs
- Good computer skills
Working Conditions:- Will work in both field and office environment
- Office environment involves prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
- Field environment may have adverse or extreme weather conditions. May involve walking and standing on rough terrain with uneven and slippery surfaces. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderate but may regularly require exposure to loud noises from machinery.
- Will be required to periodically drive to field locations.
Physical Requirements: - Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
- Ability to work effectively in all working conditions noted above.
- Will require lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 62 lbs. in a safe manner on an occasional basis.
- Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver's license to include a safe driving record satisfactory to the company.
