Automation Technician I

No matter the role, everyone at Expanse brings it. EVERY. DAY. 

Our smart, gritty team supports, challenges, and motivates each other to think hard, work with craft, and build things that last. We serve a broad operating footprint, with headquarters in Oklahoma City and field offices across New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah. Across the energy value stream, from energy production through the delivery of electricity, Expanse delivers scalable, data-driven solutions that reduce costs and increase productivity for our customers. We shorten timelines. We increase uptime. And we push the energy industry forward.

Everything we do runs on GRIT: Grit, Reciprocity, Innovation, and Trust. It's how we show up, how we decide, and how we hold each other accountable.

Got what it takes to join us? Bring it.

Position Summary:

The Automation Technician I is responsible for supporting the installation, programming, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of automation, electrical control, and instrumentation systems used in the onshore Oil & Gas industry. This position works with PLCs, HMIs, communication systems, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), telemetry equipment, and field instrumentation while supporting new automation installations and existing systems. The Automation Technician I works closely with Automation Technicians, Foremen, Electricians, Supervisors, and management to ensure automation systems are installed, configured, tested, and maintained safely and effectively. This position requires a safety-minded individual with a strong interest in automation technology and continued technical development.

Essential Functions

• Assist with the installation, configuration, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical control and instrumentation systems used in onshore Oil & Gas operations.
• Support new automation system installations and upgrades to existing systems.
• Install, upgrade, configure, troubleshoot, and repair Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and repair Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems.
• Work with automation platforms and equipment including Schneider Electric, Allen-Bradley, and Red Lion.
• Assist with PLC and HMI programming, testing, and field startup activities.
• Implement and troubleshoot industrial communication systems.
• Work with communication protocols including Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, and HART.
• Configure and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) systems.
• Install and troubleshoot radio communication and cellular telemetry equipment.
• Install, configure, test, and troubleshoot field instrumentation.
• Work with pressure, temperature, flow, and level measurement devices.
• Assist with identifying communication, instrumentation, electrical, and control-system faults.
• Verify proper operation of automation equipment following installation or repair.
• Assist with system startup and commissioning activities.
• Read and interpret applicable electrical drawings, control drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Properly use electrical and instrumentation testing equipment appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain tools, test equipment, and assigned company equipment in safe operating condition.
• Document completed work, system changes, troubleshooting activities, and other required information.
• Communicate system conditions, technical issues, and required repairs to appropriate field leadership.
• Coordinate with Electricians and other field personnel during installation and troubleshooting activities.
• Maintain professional working relationships with management, Supervisors, Foremen, Electricians, coworkers, and customers.
• Follow company and customer safety requirements at all times.
• Participate in required safety meetings, job briefings, training, and other company activities.
• Maintain awareness of new technologies, equipment, and automation practices applicable to the Oil & Gas industry.
• Travel to customer and field locations as required.
• Work flexible or extended hours based on project, startup, service, or customer requirements.
• Maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The technical scope above preserves the core responsibilities from your current description: electrical and control instrumentation troubleshooting, PLC/HMI work, Modbus/EtherNet-IP/HART communications, VFDs, radio/cellular telemetry, and pressure, temperature, flow, and level instrumentation.

Automation & Controls Responsibilities:

PLC Systems – Assist with programming, installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of PLC-based control systems.

HMI Systems – Install, configure, test, and troubleshoot HMI systems used to monitor and control field processes.

Industrial Communications – Assist with implementation and troubleshooting of Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, HART, and other applicable communication systems.

Variable Frequency Drives – Configure and troubleshoot VFD systems within assigned training and responsibilities.

Telemetry – Install and troubleshoot radio and cellular telemetry equipment used for remote monitoring and control.

Instrumentation – Install and troubleshoot pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments and associated field devices.

System Startup – Assist with testing, startup, and field commissioning of new and modified automation systems.

Troubleshooting – Diagnose basic automation, electrical control, instrumentation, and communication-system issues and escalate more complex problems when necessary.

Safety Responsibilities

The Automation Technician I is expected to:

• Make safety a priority in all assigned activities.
• Follow company, customer, HSE, and applicable safety requirements.
• Participate in required job briefings and safety meetings.
• Identify hazards before beginning assigned work.
• Use appropriate PPE for assigned activities.
• Follow applicable electrical and control-system safety procedures.
• Use tools and testing equipment properly and safely.
• Inspect tools and equipment before use.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, or equipment concerns.
• Perform only work for which the employee has been appropriately trained and authorized.
• Stop work and seek direction when conditions or assigned tasks exceed the employee's training or qualification.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

• Basic automation and industrial-control principles.
• Basic electrical and electronic principles.
• PLC and HMI systems.
• Industrial instrumentation.
• Variable Frequency Drives.
• Industrial communication systems.
• Modbus RTU and TCP/IP.
• EtherNet/IP.
• HART communication.
• Radio and cellular telemetry.
• Pressure, temperature, flow, and level instrumentation.
• Electrical and control schematics.
• Oil & Gas automation applications.
• Basic troubleshooting methods.
• Applicable safety procedures.

Skills

• PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting.
• Electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting.
• Instrument installation and configuration.
• VFD configuration and troubleshooting.
• Industrial communication troubleshooting.
• Radio and cellular telemetry installation.
• Use of electrical and instrumentation testing equipment.
• Reading electrical and control drawings.
• Technical problem-solving.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Documentation and recordkeeping.
• Organization and time management.
• Basic computer skills.

Abilities

• Learn and apply new automation technologies and equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic automation and instrumentation problems.
• Follow electrical and control drawings and technical instructions.
• Work effectively with experienced Automation Technicians, Electricians, Foremen, and Supervisors.
• Follow established procedures and technical direction.
• Communicate technical problems clearly.
• Maintain attention to detail while performing technical work.
• Manage multiple assigned tasks and changing field priorities.
• Work independently on assigned tasks within demonstrated competency.
• Recognize when a technical issue requires escalation to a more experienced Technician, Foreman, or Supervisor.
• Work safely in industrial and Oil & Gas environments.
• Travel and work extended schedules when required.