Summary:The Controls Manager provides technical and people leadership for control systems, automation, and SCADA infrastructure across basin-wide process facilities and pipeline control points. This role is accountable for reliability, standardization, and strategic direction of distributed control systems (DCS), PLCs, and associated communications networks. The Controls Manager leads and mentors Controls Specialists, serves as escalation for complex issues, and partners with Operations, Engineering, IT, and Reliability teams to ensure safe and compliant operations.
Essential duties and responsibilities:Leadership & Management• Lead, mentor, and supervise Controls Specialists across basin operations.
• Set priorities, allocate resources, and manage workload planning.
• Act as Midland basin-wide technical authority for automation and controls.
• Reduce reliance on third-party contractors.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture.
Technical Oversight & Strategy• Oversee design and lifecycle management of DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems (DeltaV, OPTO, Allen-Bradley).
• Establish standards, best practices, and documentation requirements.
• Provide escalation support for complex automation issues.
• Ensure failsafe design and ESD compliance.
Operations & Reliability• Provide day-to-day support for automation systems.
• Oversee automated reporting and historian architecture.
• Lead root cause analysis for control system events.
Training & Development• Develop and maintain training plans for controls personnel.
• Deliver technical training as required.
• Maintain SOPs and control documentation.
Project Leadership• Lead automation projects, upgrades, and integrations.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, IT, and vendors.
• Ensure projects align with standards and reliability goals.
Requirements:
Education and/or Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Extensive experience in industrial controls and automation.
Technical Skills• DeltaV, OPTO, Allen-Bradley PLC expertise.
• PLC ladder logic and historian design.
• Instrumentation, HART, Modbus (MOOBUS), ESD systems.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
Professional Skills• Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
• Organized, methodical problem-solver.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and other adverse weather conditions
- Work may include confined spaces and may require heavy lifting in excess of 50lbs with or without assistance
- Work in and around industrial and construction settings, which may include hazardous products, processes, materials and chemicals, as well as extreme temperature conditions and loud machinery, and may require appropriate personal protective equipment (which may include, but may not be limited to, necessary respirators)
- Work on and around equipment and facilities that require knowledge of and adherence to safe work procedures and practices
- Subject to call-outs to respond to operational issues and emergencies after working hours, at night, and on weekends and holidays
- Reliable attendance at work
- Occasional overnight travel may be required
