What are the responsibilities and job description for the Distributed Control System Specialist position at TPC Group?
Job Summary:
The Process Automation Specialist plays a pivotal role within the Process Automation Team, ensuring the sustained reliability of DCS and PLC platforms. Reporting to the Superintendent of Process Automation, this individual is entrusted with executing preventive maintenance tasks, managing hardware replacements and repairs, and undertaking general system administrative duties associated with various platforms, including DeltaV, DeltaV SIS, Triconex, Experion and TDC300, Foxboro I/A, and Allen Bradley PLC. Based in the Houston plant, the Process Automation Specialist holds responsibility for implementing instrumentation and control strategies centered around automation and safety systems, with a focus on continuous improvement. Furthermore, this role entails maintaining software enhancements and upgrades across diverse applications. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise to meet established metrics, rectify hardware and software failures, and prioritize tasks to ensure uninterrupted uptime, profitability, and reliability.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Diagnose and resolve hardware issues related to DCS and PLC systems
- Maintain and optimize process control loops, including loop tuning
- Maintain and modify graphical user interfaces and operator information displays
- Monitor and manage alarm management metrics and site alarm systems
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date PCN documentation and architecture diagrams
- Implement and maintain software patch management, backup and recovery procedures, and anti-malware applications
- Support capital expansion projects and Process Control Network expansion initiatives
- Assist in Root Cause Investigations by collecting and analyzing DCS/PLC data
- Perform manual labor tasks such as racking servers, installing control system hardware, running and installing network cables, and working at elevation on ladders and process equipment
- Collaborate effectively with various teams, including Automation Engineering, Production Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations, to accomplish assigned tasks
- Provide support during Turnaround activities, including developing recommendations for turnaround work processes and supporting the creation of work packages
Required Qualifications
- 5 years of experience in the process automation field within the chemical, petrochemical, or other related process industries
- Associate's Degree (or higher) in a relevant field such as computer science, instrumentation, or process operations
- Extensive experience and proficiency in DCS (or BPCS) systems, particularly in at least one of the following vendor systems: Emerson, Triconex, Foxboro, Honeywell, or Allen Bradley
- Knowledge of loop tuning strategies
- Familiarity with the Safety Instrumented System Lifecycle and ISA 61511 standards
- Understanding of Cybersecurity and ISA 62433 standards
- Competency in reading and developing P&IDs, loop diagrams, junction box diagrams, and other relevant documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with advanced process control strategies. Aspen DMC is a plus
- Familiarity with alarm management and ISA 18.2. Hexagon Plant State Integrity is a plus
TPC Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. EEO is the Law.
