Automation And Controls Specialist II / Sr

Job Description

This position leads development of human machine interface (HMI) and programmable logic control (PLC) programming for controls systems related to reciprocal and turbine engines and pipeline valve management and ensures automation projects are completed per developed standards. The senior specialist provides highly technical engineering services for the planning, design, procurement and construction of pipeline and / or compression projects for Northern Natural Gas Company's pipeline system. Responsibilities include design, cost estimates, engineering specifications, drawings, materials procurement, construction contract administration, cost analysis, inspection, maintenance and integration of software and hardware for controls applications. Conducts engineering studies and investigations and prepares oral and written reports. Provides engineering assistance to other departments. Keeps informed of industry issues and technical trends that can benefit Northern's business.

Responsibilities

Initiate, coordinate, design and implement engineering projects. (20-30%) Provide engineering and technical direction services for pipeline and operations and maintenance functions for natural gas pipeline and compression facilities. (15-20%) Provide technical project management for all phases of a project including scheduling, design, estimates, engineering specifications, drawings, materials procurement, construction contract administration and cost analysis. (15-20%) Provide technical guidance to engineering to assure effective design, installation and operation of control related software and hardware systems on new construction. (15-20%) Work with third party automation integrators to ensure project development meets NNG standards. (10-20%) Develop PLC and HMI applications for smaller projects, and provide commissioning support. (5-10%) Conduct economic and technical feasibility studies, investigating various alternatives, and making recommendations on course of action. (10%) Provide engineering assistance to other departments and perform any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (10%) Keep informed of industry issues and technical trends that can benefit Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company's business. (0-5%) Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%)

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, technology, business administration or related field; or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a Bachelor's degree). Eight or more years of related technical automation and controls experience. Must have significant engineering knowledge of natural gas industry related to the design and installation of pipelines, compressor stations and process equipment as well as an understanding of automation, including PLC's, SCADA / HMI systems, electrical design, instrumentation design and industrial IT. Must be proficient at troubleshooting Rockwell Automation RSLOGIX routines in conjunction with electrical controls systems. Must possess skills related to computer and control system networks including Ethernet; ControlNet; DeviceNet, Arcnet, TiWay, peer to peer, wide area networks and server based control systems. Effective oral and written communication skills. Strong technical writing skills including the ability to communicate a basic understanding of technical information to non-technical people. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Cross functional skills; ability and willingness to cross over to construction coordination or project management work on specific projects. Critical thinking and decision making skills to develop and present technical recommendations. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. We celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

About Us

BHE Pipeline Group consists of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, BHE GT&S, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and Northern Natural Gas Company. Combined, BHE Pipeline Group operates approximately 21,200 miles of pipeline with a design capacity of approximately 21.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, owns assets in 27 states and transported approximately 15% of the total natural gas consumed in the U.S. during 2022. BHE Pipeline Group also operates 22 natural gas storage facilities with a total working gas capacity of 515.6 billion cubic feet and a liquefied natural gas export, import and storage facility.

About the Team

At Northern Natural Gas, we celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion. Northern Natural Gas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.