Job SummaryConocoPhillips and its heritage companies have operated in the Permian Basin for almost 100 years. The transformational acquisitions of Concho Resources Inc. and Shell Enterprises LLC's prolific positions in the Delaware and Midland Basins in 2021 further strengthened the company's position in the Permian Basin. At year-end 2024, the company held over 1 million total net acres in the Permian Basin.
During 2024, net production averaged 775 MBOED.
Position OverviewAs an
Automation Specialist in Loving, NM you will support safe, reliable field operations by maintaining and troubleshooting automation, instrumentation, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. You will work closely with operations, engineering, vendors, and contractors to resolve issues, support new installations, and reduce repeat failures. Your work directly supports operational uptime, safety performance, and environmental protection.
This role offers hands-on technical experience in field automation, exposure to evolving technologies, and opportunities to grow technical depth and broaden responsibility within a collaborative team environment.
Your responsibilities may include:- Perform all work in alignment with Department of Transportation (DOT), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and company safety requirements.
- Follow energy isolation and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when working on automated and electrical equipment.
- Install, inspect, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot field automation, instrumentation, communications, and related electrical equipment.
- Diagnose SCADA, instrumentation, and control system issues and restore safe, reliable operation in a timely manner.
- Execute preventive and predictive maintenance activities and complete required documentation accurately and on time.
- Support Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) installation, troubleshooting, and programming updates.
- Assist with commissioning of new equipment and facilities, including loop checks, logic testing, and SCADA verification.
- Create, update, and close maintenance work orders and notifications using the maintenance management system.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, including maintenance records, prints, and project documentation.
- Identify recurring issues, communicate findings, and support root cause analysis to prevent repeat failures.
- Support Management of Change (MOC) requests for equipment, instrumentation, or program changes.
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, and peers to improve reliability, safety, and cost effectiveness.
Success ProfileTo thrive in this role, you'll demonstrate the following leadership competencies:
- Takes Accountability: Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments by courageously dealing with important problems, holding others accountable, and standing up for what is right.
- Drives Performance: Delivers results through realistic planning to accomplish goals.
- Makes Decisions: Generates effective solutions based on available information and makes timely decisions that are safe and ethical.
Qualifications:Basic Requirements- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Current/valid driver's license.
- 3 or more years of experience in automation, instrumentation, controls, SCADA support, or related field operations.
- Working knowledge of maintaining and troubleshooting field automation, communication and instrumentation equipment.
- Must reside or be willing to relocate to an area that will allow for a daily drive to the Loving, NM area.
- Are you able to perform the physical demands and work environment requirements of the position, as described in the job description, with or without reasonable accommodation?
Preferred Requirement- Associate degree, trade certificate, or higher in Instrumentation, Electronics, Electrical Technology, or equivalent.
- 5 or more years of experience in the automation field.
- Experience with PLCs, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), and automation platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Emerson ROC, ABB, IDEC, SCADAPack, or similar systems.
- Experience with field communications equipment such as cellular modems, radios, and network switches.
- Knowledge of electrical systems, National Electrical Code, and safe work practices.
- Ability to read and apply control narratives, cause-and-effect documentation, Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) concepts, and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to communicate technical findings clearly.
Physical Demands & Work Environment- This is a Safety Sensitive position.
- The position is based in Loving, NM and includes regular travel to wellsites and facilities, with up to 10% travel annually.
- Work requires climbing ladders and stairs up to 50 feet to access equipment.
- Work requires lifting, carrying, and transporting items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Daily work includes walking, standing, stooping, sitting, climbing, and carrying materials on even and uneven terrain.
- Work is performed outdoors in harsh weather conditions and frequently involves working independently for extended periods.
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in accordance with site and task requirements.
- The position is a Monday-Friday schedule and requires rotating on-call responsibilities, emergency response, and flexibility to work unscheduled overtime.
Apply By: Sep 28, 2026
Sponsorship: ConocoPhillips' sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.
Benefits OverviewConocoPhillips offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:
- Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.
- Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.
- Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.
- Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.
- Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.
