Senior Automation Control Specialist

Howard Energy•San Antonio, TX

13d

About The Position

The Senior Automation Control Specialist is a senior-level member of the Operational Technology (OT) team responsible for the advanced support, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial control systems across company operations. This role focuses primarily on PLC platforms, particularly Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix, and requires strong working knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this position independently evaluates and resolves complex control system issues while ensuring reliability, safety, and compliance across multiple operational sites. Duties/Responsibilities: Supports, maintains, and troubleshoots industrial automation and control systems across company facilities. Performs advanced troubleshooting, modification, documentation, backup, and optimization of PLC logic, primarily within Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix environments. Independently diagnoses and resolves complex control system issues involving logic sequencing, communications paths, interlocks, fail-safes, and system integration. Supports plant control systems and SCADA environments, including HMI configuration, alarm management, system updates, and validation of data flows. Configures and troubleshoots SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition or Wonderware System Platform. Supports industrial measurement systems, including Fisher ROC and ABB TotalFlow devices. Assists with telemetry systems and industrial networking troubleshooting, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and radio or cellular gateways. Participates in commissioning activities, system migrations, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives. Maintains accurate and compliant documentation, including PLC backups, change logs, network documentation, and configuration records. Provides remote and onsite field support as required, including after-hours or emergency response coverage consistent with operational needs. Collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT teams to ensure system integrity and operational continuity. Contributes to the development and enforcement of OT standards, documentation practices, and cybersecurity awareness protocols. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Advanced proficiency in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC programming, troubleshooting, and system modification.
Strong working knowledge of SCADA and HMI systems, including configuration, alarm management, and data flow validation.
Hands-on experience with either Ignition or Wonderware System Platform; familiarity with both preferred.
Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex control system issues involving logic sequencing, communications, interlocks, and fail-safe systems.
Working knowledge of industrial measurement systems such as Fisher ROC and ABB TotalFlow.
Fundamental understanding of industrial networking concepts, including IP addressing, Ethernet troubleshooting, and industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, IO lists, and electrical drawings.
Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills, particularly in unfamiliar or evolving system environments.
Ability to maintain accurate system documentation, version control, and change management records.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound technical judgment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to operations and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to prioritize competing demands and respond effectively to operational emergencies.
Willingness and ability to travel to field sites and work in industrial environments as required.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associate’s degree in Instrumentation & Controls Technology, Electrical Technology, Automation, Process Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and directly related industrial automation experience may be considered in lieu of formal degree requirements.
Demonstrated hands-on experience programming, modifying, and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLC systems in live industrial environments.
Experience supporting SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition or Wonderware System Platform.
Practical experience diagnosing complex control system issues involving communications, sequencing, interlocks, and fail-safe design.
Experience supporting industrial measurement systems, telemetry, and basic industrial networking preferred.
Experience supporting multi-site or geographically distributed operational environments preferred.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with either Ignition or Wonderware System Platform; familiarity with both preferred.
Associate’s degree in Instrumentation & Controls Technology, Electrical Technology, Automation, Process Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
Experience supporting industrial measurement systems, telemetry, and basic industrial networking preferred.
Experience supporting multi-site or geographically distributed operational environments preferred.
Relevant industry certifications in PLC programming, industrial networking, SCADA systems, or automation controls preferred.

Responsibilities

Supports, maintains, and troubleshoots industrial automation and control systems across company facilities.
Performs advanced troubleshooting, modification, documentation, backup, and optimization of PLC logic, primarily within Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix environments.
Independently diagnoses and resolves complex control system issues involving logic sequencing, communications paths, interlocks, fail-safes, and system integration.
Supports plant control systems and SCADA environments, including HMI configuration, alarm management, system updates, and validation of data flows.
Configures and troubleshoots SCADA/HMI platforms such as Ignition or Wonderware System Platform.
Supports industrial measurement systems, including Fisher ROC and ABB TotalFlow devices.
Assists with telemetry systems and industrial networking troubleshooting, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and radio or cellular gateways.
Participates in commissioning activities, system migrations, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintains accurate and compliant documentation, including PLC backups, change logs, network documentation, and configuration records.
Provides remote and onsite field support as required, including after-hours or emergency response coverage consistent with operational needs.
Collaborates with engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT teams to ensure system integrity and operational continuity.
Contributes to the development and enforcement of OT standards, documentation practices, and cybersecurity awareness protocols.
Performs other related duties as assigned.