What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Technician position at Failsafe Controls?
We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Technician to support industrial automation projects across oil & gas production, midstream facilities, and manufacturing operations throughout Southern Louisiana. The ideal candidate is hands-on, self-motivated, and comfortable working in the field, troubleshooting equipment, and interfacing directly with customers. This role involves commissioning, programming, instrumentation, and control system support for both new installations and existing sites.
Key Responsibilities
• PLC Automation & Control
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Emerson ROC/FB/TF, Micro800 series, etc.)
• Upload/download programs, perform backups, and assist with logic modifications.
• Commission and verify I/O, logic operation, machine sequencing, and safety interlocks.
• HMI & SCADA Systems
• Configure and support HMI screens (FactoryTalk, Ignition, PanelView, Wonderware/AVEVA).
• Perform SCADA troubleshooting including comms, tag mapping, alarming, historian, and network diagnostics.
• Assist with deploying Ignition Edge and full Ignition gateways in the field.
• Instrumentation & Field Work
• Install and calibrate transmitters (pressure, flow, level, temp), valves, and analyzers.
• Perform loop checks, wiring verification, and signal testing (4-20mA, Modbus, discrete I/O).
• Diagnose field faults related to power, grounding, noise, and communications.
• Communication Protocols
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communications:
• Modbus RTU/TCP
• EtherNet/IP
• DF1, Serial RS-232/485
• MQTT (advantageous)
• Project Execution
• Support startup and FAT/SAT testing.
• Document changes, update device lists, maintain wiring diagrams, and contribute to project turnover packages.
• Work directly with engineers and project managers to resolve issues and implement changes.
• Customer Interaction
• Provide onsite technical support to operators, mechanics, and production teams.
• Communicate clearly regarding issues, timelines, and required repairs.
• Maintain a strong professional presence representing the company in the field.
Qualifications
Required
• 2 years experience in automation, industrial controls, or instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of PLCs and HMIs.
• Ability to read P&IDs, loop sheets, electrical drawings, and control narratives.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and hands-on wiring experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work in industrial outdoor environments.
Preferred
• Experience with oil & gas facilities, especially production, midstream, or gas processing.
• Familiarity with:
• Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 / CCW
• Ignition SCADA
• AVEVA/Wonderware
• ROC/TotalFlow
• Basic networking knowledge (subnets, static IPs, switches, radios, VPN, cellular gateways).
• Certifications: TWIC, Safeland, CSST, OSHA 10/30.
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Physical & Work Environment
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, lift 50 lbs, and work in hot/humid outdoor conditions common to South Louisiana.
• Comfortable working around production equipment, compressed gas systems, and hazardous areas with proper PPE.
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What We Offer
• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Company truck or mileage reimbursement (depending on role level).
• Training and advancement into higher-level automation roles (PLC programmer, SCADA specialist, project engineer).
• A stable career supporting oil & gas infrastructure and regional manufacturing operations.