Automation and Controls Technical Specialist – Batesville, MS - Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 84,000 miles of pipelines and 157 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, gasoline, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. Our terminals store and handle petroleum products, chemicals and other products.

Kinder Morgan is committed to being a good corporate citizen and conducting ourselves in an ethical and responsible manner. We spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on integrity management and maintenance programs to operate our assets safely and to protect the public, our employees, contractors and the environment. Operationally, we continue to perform better than our industry peers relative to environmental, health and safety measures.

This position is posted at three locations:  West Monroe, LA; Batesville, MS; and Middleton, TN.  Please only apply to your preferred location.  Division 9 Management may consider other locations within the region/coverage area.

The internal job title for this position is Specialist – Engineering Technician. 

Primary Purpose:

• Support natural gas compressor station automation systems including:  industrial gas turbine / centrifugal compressor trains, internal combustion engine / reciprocating compressor packages and ancillary equipment including fans, pumps, air compressors, and cooling towers
• Work with Automation Engineers in the design and implementation of projects utilizing major DCS, PLC, and Safety Systems or SCADA control system platforms while also working with Operations and the Technical Services Supervisor in troubleshooting, maintaining, and commissioning of both new and existing facilities
• Work with Environmental Representatives in assessing engine and compressor performance / compliance 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and compressor controls issues that cannot be remedied at the Operations level
• Examples include: failed starts, unit trips, improper operation of equipment
• Maintain and troubleshoot turbines, reciprocating engines, and PLC programs in unit and station controllers as well as ancillary equipment, ESD and safety systems
• Maintain and troubleshoot compressor station HMI node programs and provide direct support to HMI hardware
• Provide technical input/assistance at key phases of capital projects (scoping, design review & commissioning)
• Review and implement company standards where applicable in PLC programming and HMI development/programming
• Support SCADA data transfer to Gas Control and COMETII
• Support multiple controls platforms including: WonderWare, Allen Bradley RSLogix 5,       RSLogix 500, RSLogix5000, and Siemens S7 & 505.
• Assist in the establishment/support of automation standards for reporting to Gas Control
• Support and conduct technical training curriculum for Operations Specialists including E&C Technician advancement reviews
• Provide technical advice and support to Operations Specialists and site leadership the basics of plant operations and troubleshooting
• Identify opportunities and implement plans for improved performance and reliability of plant systems
• Provide technical advice and support for Third Party Vendors performing specialized work on plant systems
• Provide support to Environmental Representatives and Company or Contract testing group in resolving emissions testing issues
• Implement solutions and/or corrective actions to resolve issues generated by Third Party Vendor Technical Service Bulletins
• Successful applicant must be a disciplined, self-starter who is capable of working with minimal direct supervision
• Supports the identification and prioritization of capital and O&M improvement projects
• Regular and predictable attendance at established start time

Job level commensurate with skills and experience.  The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Associate's degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Technology with an emphasis on industrial automation is preferred, but not required. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience/Specific Knowledge:

• Individual should have 2-5 years of experience in operations, maintenance and/or capital project support of industrial automation systems.
• Position requires familiarity of natural gas compression facilities, rotating machinery including reciprocating engines / compressors, gas turbines and / or electric motor driven centrifugal compressors, ancillary support systems such as air systems, cooling water systems, and low and medium voltage electrical distribution systems.
• Experience with start-up and commissioning of compressor station and or industrial facilities is desired
• Possess a working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Part 192 of the DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations
• Possess an understanding of NFPA 70-Electrical Safety including shock and arc flash safety, Lockout/Tagout, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Must be proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting, including ladder logic, function block programing, and structured text – experience with Rockwell RSLogix-5 and RSLogix-5000 is required.
• Incumbent must be proficient in HMI development and troubleshooting. Experience with WonderWare HMI / SCADA implementation or equivalent is required.
• Possess a working knowledge of portable emissions testing, vibration testing, and other predictive maintenance technologies.
• Strong understanding of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and Microsoft operating systems
• Excellent planning and organizational skills; Must be able to prioritize assignments according to business needs
• Excellent written and oral communications skills – proven ability to produce clear, concise written reports, and discuss and review, and present technical information
• Excellent team working skills – demonstrated ability to work with operations groups, support groups, and engineering support staff
• Must self-motivated and able to work effectively without close supervision

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers.

Competencies, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate customer focus in dealing with engineering, field operations, and other internal and external group
• Ability to effectively organize, plan, prioritize, document, and complete work with a minimum of supervision
• Must be able to provide robust analytical thinking and troubleshooting skills
• Must be a disciplined, self-starter who is capable of working with minimal direct supervision
• Must be able to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), prioritize and adhere to established work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules
• Must be able to speak and understand English
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to tolerate extreme conditions; will work outdoors in all seasons
• Must be able to frequently: enter confined spaces; and climb to and work from elevated platforms, ladders and walkways
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 30 pounds in awkward positions, and 50 pounds from floor to waist
• Must be able to see, hear, walk and speak clearly

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to provide reasonable response to callouts and emergency situations
• Required to carry a company-provided cell phone and laptop computer, and be available to respond during working hours, and non-working hours as needed
• Travel is required and anticipated as up to 40-50% on average including out-of-town nights and may occasionally include weekend travel
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed

Supervisory Responsibility:

• None

Preferred education, experience, certifications, competencies, skills and abilities:

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Computer Science
• Industrial automation project management experience

Other responsibilities:

• As assigned

Job level commensurate with skills and experience.  The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.